Ruling: Arson destroyed part of historic Ohio mansion

FAIRLAWN, Ohio (AP) — Investigators say a fire that tore through and destroyed part of a historic Ohio mansion was arson.

Fairlawn firefighters were called to the scene of the fire Saturday night to find part of the Cornus Hill Firestone Mansion engulfed in flames. The department spent nearly 12 hours fighting the blaze, with a portion of the roof and floor collapsing in the fire.

Fairlawn Fire Chief Russell Hose said Tuesday investigators were able to rule out all possible accidental causes, in spite of damage to the vacant mansion.

The 10,864-square-foot mansion, built in 1935, once belonged to the son of Firestone Tire Co. founder Harvey Firestone.

The Ohio Blue Ribbon Arson Committee is offering a reward of $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.