MOUNT CARMEL - The West Olive Street fire in which fire officials were originally unable to determine a cause is now being considered accidental.
State police fire marshal Norman Fedder reported Wednesday that further investigation showed signs of electrical arcing inside a junction box to which an exterior light was attached at 409 W. Olive St., the home of Paul J. Ventilli, 30.
The electrical arcing and damage to the junction box indicates electrical activity within the interior of the junction box, which ignited surrounding combustible materials, Fedder reported.
The fire caused approximately $230,000 in damages to the structure and personal belongings.
The fire was contained to the north side of the second floor and the owner escaped uninjured.
The house is insured.