Conte fire investigated as arson

An insurance company is offering a reward for information in an east Carson City fire that investigators believe was arson.

Carson City Sheriff's Detective Dave Legros said Allstate Insurance is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person who is responsible for the Aug. 12 fire that destroyed a home under construction at 4868 Conte Drive.

Fire investigators believe an accelerant was used to bring down the 7,000-square-foot, three-story home being built in the shadow of S Hill.

"Something was poured onto the basement floor and fire investigators are currently having tests done on the material to determine what it is," Legros said.

The blaze, which threatened nearby homes and wildland, caused an estimated $600,000 to $700,000 in damage. He said the homeowner is consulting an engineer to determine if any part of the remaining steel and concrete frame can be salvaged.

"At this point it's unclear what the motive was. It could be revenge, it could be out of spite. But what we do know through cooperation with the Nevada State Fire Marshall's Office is this was a man-caused fire," said Legros.

Anyone with information is asked to call Legros at 887-2020 ext. 1405.

• Contact reporter F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.