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Update: Troopers, state fire investigators probe Tuesday night fire that destroyed house in Potsdam as possible arson

Posted 12/31/14

Updated at 10:11 a.m. to include comments from St. Lawrence County Fire Investigator HEWITTVILLE -- State police say they are investigating a Tuesday night fire that destroyed a home as a possible …

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Update: Troopers, state fire investigators probe Tuesday night fire that destroyed house in Potsdam as possible arson

Posted

Updated at 10:11 a.m. to include comments from St. Lawrence County Fire Investigator

HEWITTVILLE -- State police say they are investigating a Tuesday night fire that destroyed a home as a possible arson.

The fire destroyed a house at 587 River Road, across from the bridge to Sissonville Road.

The home is owned by Ken Labaff, 50, who was home with three other occupants when the fire started, according to St. Lawrence County Fire Investigation Team Chief Brian Sullivan.

He said firefighters weren't able to immidiately pinpoint the cause, so they brought in police.

"We don't know [the cause] for sure. We haven't been able to rule out accidental causes ... that's why we called in law enforcement," Sullivan said, adding that they aren't sure where in the house the conflagration ignited.

No one was injured, Sullivan said.

A witness said the house was totally engulfed, with flames leaping from every window, glowing yellow-orange.

Traffic was detoured from at least 7 p.m. to midnight and firefighters were getting water from at least three local sources, observers said.

Troopers said no charges have been filed.