Police: Benner Pike barn fire was arson

A fire that destroyed a red barn along the Benner Pike that had stood for more than 160 years Thursday has been determined to be arson, according to state police at Rockview.

CDT/Nabil K. Mark

The landmark red barn owned by Larry Jodon along Benner Pike outside of Bellefonte burned to the ground early morning on Thursday, May 8, 2008. The barn was built in 1847. Firemen were able to save two adjacent structures. CDT/Nabil K. Mark

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The fire "was deteremined to be intentionally set in nature," stated a news release from state police. There were no utilities to the structure, and it was still on a trailer frame after being moved a short distance from its original location about two years ago.

"No accidental causes could be found for this fire based upon information provided by the owner," Larry Jodon, the news release stated.

The damage was estimated at $400,000.

Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at Rockview at 355-7545.

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