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Fire officials: Gastonia house fire ruled arson

GASTON COUNTY — The Gastonia Fire Department Fire Marshal's Office and Gastonia Police Department have ruled a Saturday morning structure fire as arson, according to the fire department.

The fire happened at 712 Evening Shade Lane. When firefighters arrived on scene, they witnessed a one-story residential structure with smoke and flames visible.

Firefighters entered the structure and found heavy fire throughout the center of the home. The fire was extinguished in approximately 10 minutes.

A total of 21 personnel responded to the call. No injuries were reported.

At the time of the fire, the residents of the home were out of town.

The fire department said an estimated $55,000 in damages was caused by the fire, and is a total loss.

Crews were on scene for nearly 6 hours on Saturday.