STRUTHERS Arson ruled as cause of business fire

Officials said the blaze was likely set to conceal a theft of firearms and money.
By WILLIAM K. ALCORN
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
STRUTHERS -- Arson is the cause of the Nov. 19 fire that destroyed the Wagon Wheel Bar & amp; Restaurant and the Struthers Athletic Club, and damaged the roof and interior of the Sulmona Valley Club, all on South Bridge Street near Liberty Street.
Fire Chief Harold L. Milligan Jr. ruled the blaze an arson, and said the arsonist probably used alcohol from the bar to set the fire. But, he said damage was so extensive that the way the fire was ignited remains undetermined.
The fire, which officials think was started to cover the theft of two handguns and an undisclosed amount of money from the Wagon Wheel, was discovered at about 7:12 a.m. by an off-duty Struthers firefighter.
Milligan said the firefighter saw smoke coming from the rear of the Wagon Wheel as he was passing by, and when he investigated, found the door open.
Milligan said the department's lead investigator of the fire, which caused an estimated $400,000 worth of damage to the three side-by-side buildings, is Richard Dale, who also is a member of the Mahoning County Arson Task Force.
Dale was assisted by other members of the task force and a state fire marshal. The investigation continues, Milligan said.
The remains of the Wagon Wheel and Athletic Club have been demolished.
A member of the Sulmona Valley Club, which sustained roof damage and some interior water and smoke damage, said the facility would be repaired.