From staff reports
A fire that broke out early Friday morning at a residence on West Third Street in Oil City has been determined to be accidental.
Oil City fire chief Mark Hicks said state police fire marshal Ken Hamilton ruled the blaze at 11 W. 3rd St. was unintentional and accidental in nature.
Hicks said the fire was caused by careless use of combustible materials in the basement, which were being used for home improvement projects.
Oil City firefighters were dispatched to the home at 5:10 a.m. Friday. Hicks said the blaze caused moderate to severe damage to the second floor and attic area of the home.
Franklin firefighters assisted at the scene, and Seneca volunteers were on standby.
