DALMATIA - A fire causing $75,000 worth of damage to a Lower Mahanoy Township home last week was ruled accidental in nature by the state police fire marshal Norman Fedder Tuesday.
The fire occurred at the home of Robert Leroy Whitsel, 49, of 349 Hestor Road, on Nov. 11.
Police said his napping wife was awakened by the smoke alarm and discovered the blaze outside a breezeway wall, where a wood burning stove was located.
After investigating, Fedder said he determined the fire was caused by wood within the wall being heated by the stove to the point of combustion. The fire damaged the side of the house and the roof above the breezeway.
The fire was brought under control by the Hickory Corners Volunteer Fire Company and other companies from the surrounding area, police said.
The owners are insured, police said.