State Fire Marshal investigating arson at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School in Lorain

LORAIN, Ohio — An explosion and fire that took place early Thursday morning at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School in Lorain has been ruled arson, according to the Ohio Fire Marshal.

Officials say the blaze broke out around 4:38 a.m., and firefighters quickly arrived at the scene on East Erie Avenue following a 911 call from a witness. While no one was hurt, the flames caused "significant" damage, according to authorities.

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One witness recorded video of the fire, which you can watch in the player below:

This is the second alleged arson at a Northeast Ohio Catholic school this year. Ironically, the separate St. Anthony of Padua School in Parma also caught fire back in February. The perpetrator of that crime has not yet been caught, and police have not indicated of the two incidents are related in any way.

A $5,000 reward has been offered for information leading to the capture of whoever started the fire in Lorain. Anyone with such info is asked to immediately call the State Fire Marshal's tip line at (800) 589-2728.

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