Port Legion fire ruled arson

An arsonist destroyed the joint headquarters of the Port Allegany American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars early Tuesday morning.

A fire marshal from the Pa. State Police barracks in Kane said his investigation confirmed that the fire was intentionally set. Police declined to say whether they have any suspects.

The 55-year-old building and its contents along Rt. 155 were described by police as a total loss. A passing motorist called in the blaze shortly before 4:00. First firefighters on the scene from Port Allegany's Star Hose Company said the building was fully involved.

Firefighters from Austin, Coudersport, Roulette and several other area departments responded under the mutual aid system. They had to shuttle water from a mile away in downtown Port Allegany.

Cpl. Martin Henneman from the Kane barracks is heading the investigation. He estimated the loss at $125,000.