Investigators suspect arson at Magna home

Courtney Orton reportingA buyer was set to close tomorrow on a new home in Magna, but this afternoon fire authorities say someone set the inside of the house on fire.

Damage is not visible from outside the house, but it's a much different story inside. Video shows everything from the cabinets to the carpet will have to be replaced. Contractor Curt Dial, with Reliance Homes, says he'll probably have to rip everything down to the studs and replace the insulation.

"Really bad smoke damage. The investigator's suggesting we'll probably have to replace all the sheet rock in the house, basically strip it down to that point and start over," he said.

Fire investigators believe this is a case of arson. Dogs sniffed accelerant on an area of carpet inside the home.

The damage is estimated at $150,000. Reliance Homes did have insurance, but it says it will be a lengthy process to get this home on the market again.

"We have to re-pull a permit. We have to get an engineer out to see what needs to be done. Then we'll get together and put together a game plan and start over," Dial said.

The people who had planned to buy this home now are hoping to get into a home down the street.

This is a very new area with a lot of newly constructed homes, so there aren't any witnesses to the fire. Investigators have little to go on. They're asking anyone with information to call the arson hotline at (877) 572-7766.

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