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The man who died in Saturday's house fire is believed to have set the blaze himself, according to officials.
After an investigation, Warsaw police and fire departments determined that the house fire, which occurred at 106 N. Park Ave., was deliberately set by Mark Allen Strickfaden, the homeowner.
Warsaw fire investigators and officials from a private forensic investigative firm discovered a liquid accelerant was used to start several fires on the main floor of the home. This was later confirmed by the Warsaw Fire Department arson detection dog, which is trained to identify unusual chemical substances.
Strickfaden, 45, died from smoke inhalation. According to a police report, both police and fire officials indicate circumstances make it apparent Strickfaden was responsible for starting the flames himself. There was no evidence to support any outside influence or foul play by others, the report said.
The investigation has led officials to label the incident as an arson.
A death investigation is ongoing through the Kosciusko County Coroner's office, which will determine manner of death after all information is collected and reviewed. Strickfaden's toxicology results are expected to be received in the next two to three weeks.
