Suspicious fire destroys house on Catharine Street in Springfield

by The Republican Newsroom

Friday May 15, 2009, 7:16 AM

By GEORGE GRAHAM
ggraham@repub.com

SPRINGFIELD - A suspicious fire in the McKnight neighborhood destroyed a house Friday morning.

No injuries were reported in the blaze, however, investigators continued to probe the burnt-out shell at 153 Catharine St., Springfield Fire Department spokesman Dennis G. Leger said.

The fire was reported shortly after 5:10 a.m. and firefighters were on the scene in about a minute, Leger said. "It was fully involved," he said.

It was not immediately clear Friday morning whether the 2 1/2-story wood structure had been occupied, Leger said, adding that furniture inside was sparse.

Heat from the blaze caused some $15,000 worth of damage to the siding of a home at 155 Catharine St. Roof tar from the blaze damaged a 2002 Hyundai that was parked in that neighboring driveway, Leger said.

Leger estimated the loss to 153 Catharine St., at about $150,000.

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