Barnstable House Fire Was Set Intentionally

BARNSTABLE, MA — A fire that destroyed a vacation home at Allyn Lane was intentionally set, according to state and local fire officials. State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey said police know who is responsible for setting the fire, and the public is not in danger.

The fire was reported around 1:30 p.m Sunday. Firefighters were called to the 80th block of Allyn Lane after reports of a fire at the two-and-a-half-story home.

The flames engulfed 75 percent of the wood-framed home, so 50 firefighters had to work to extinguish from the outside. Firefighters from West Barnstable, Hyannis, Centerville-Osterville-Marstons Mills, Yarmouth and Sandwich helped knock down the fire. No residents were inside when the fire broke out.

Fire officials said they had the flames extinguished in about 90 minutes, but the call didn't come in until well after the fire had started.

"The fire was burning for quite some time before it was reported," Fire Chief Francis Pulsifer said. "As a result, it got a good head start on us."

The vacation home was ruled a total loss. Fire officials estimated the house sustained about $520,000 worth of damage.