Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN — The Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office is offering a reward and is seeking tips on an arson at a home on Griselda Avenue on the South Side Thursday morning.

Investigators with the Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of State Fire Marshal, have determined the 9 a.m. fire was an arson and are now seeking tips from the public to identify those responsible.

The Youngstown Fire Department responded to the fire at 2726 Griselda Ave. and found the front of the home fully involved with smoke and fire.

Crews quickly extinguished the fire and forced entry into the home to continue search and rescue efforts; however, the resident was not home at the time.

Three investigators with the State Fire Marshal’s Fire and Explosion Investigations Bureau responded to the scene and determined the fire was the result of an intentional human act. The Canton Fire Department and an accelerant detection dog also assisted in the investigation.

A reward of up to $5,000 is being offered by the Blue Ribbon Arson Committee for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the State Fire Marshal’s tip line at 800-589-2728 (option 1) 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or the Youngstown Police Department at 330-742-8911.

All tips will be thoroughly investigated, according to a State Fire Marshal’s Office news release.