MAYFIELD HEIGHTS -- The house fire that killed a woman and her daughter Tuesday morning was intentionally set, according to the Ohio Department of Commerce.
The Longwood Road fire claimed the lives of 41-year-old Rebecca Pletnewski and her daughter, 8-year-old Olivia Schneider.
A K-9 unit detected accelerant on several samples found at the scene. Those samples were sent to Columbus for additional testing, with results expected next week.
Mayfield Heights Fire Chief Bruce Elliot told WKYC police have a person of interest, who is an acquaintance of Pletnewski, in custody.
A spokesperson for the Ohio Department of Commerce also says Blue Ribbon Arson Committee is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to a conviction of the person responsible for the fire.