A two-alarm fire that destroyed an unoccupied farmhouse Thursday was arson, according to the state fire marshal.

The fire in the 4300 block of Bartholow Road near Presidential Park was discovered by a passer-by about 4 a.m., and brought 50 firefighters from Westminster, Sykesville, Gamber and Winfield to the scene. It rekindled at about 9 a.m. before being extinguished.

Investigators said the tenant had moved out, and the owners were renovating the house at the time of the fire. Damage to the two-story wood-frame house was estimated at $125,000.

In an unrelated case, the fire marshal announced an arrest in an incident that happened at 5 a.m. June 16 at the New Windsor carnival grounds.

A 15-year-old New Windsor boy was charged as a juvenile with second-degree arson and malicious destruction of property, for allegedly setting fire to the doors of the restrooms, a portable toilet and a trash container.

Pub Date: 8/17/99