Neighbors angry after explosion ruled intentional

CLEVELAND - A day after authorities ruled an arsonist started last month’s devastating house explosion on West 83rd Street in Cleveland, neighboring homeowners are angry.

They are wondering exactly who is behind the explosion, which damaged or destroyed more than 50 homes and businesses.

Investigators said their job is just beginning. They are interviewing people in the area who may have seen something suspicious and they are looking for the person or persons responsible for causing the explosion.

"I hope the police find you. You put people in danger on this street that we care about. You put my kids in danger,” explosion victim Perry Mitchell said.

"The fire investigation unit deemed this fire to be an intentionally set fire,” Larry Gray with the Cleveland Fire Department said.

Tuesday’s announcement revealed the explosion that rocked the neighborhood was no accident. Investigators have been tight-lipped about what led to that conclusion.

"Everybody is just going to be covering their own butts. It’s not my fault. It’s his fault. It’s their fault. It’s everyone else's fault except theirs,” landlord Steve Svlair said.

"I don’t think it was arson. I think it was a way to get out of it, so they don’t have to pay everybody," Sherry Vroman said.

Some residents still blame the gas company and have filed a lawsuit against Dominion seeking compensation for home damage.

The state fire marshals office said an act of vandalism, like stealing copper, could have caused the explosion and, therefore, it could be called arson.