Arson Cause of Historic Bridge Fire in Michigan

Officials have determined arson to be the cause of a fire that destroyed one of Michigan’s oldest covered wooden bridges.

The Ionia County sheriff’s office and the state police fire marshal made the announcement on Tuesday.

Investigators found an accelerant on wood samples taken from Whites Bridge on July 8.

That’s a day after the 146-year-old covered bridge was destroyed by what initially was viewed as a suspicious fire.

The bridge was built in the late 1860s. It crossed the Flat River in Ionia County’s Keene Township, about 15 miles east of Grand Rapids.

There’s a $7,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever is responsible.