CLINTON TWP, Venango County — A fire at a house in the township may have been set intentionally to cover up a burglary, authorities said.

State police are investigating the burglary and arson that happened just north of the Butler County line between 2 p.m. Sunday and 2:45 p.m. Monday.

Someone apparently first broke into a garage at the home in the 600 block of Eau Claire Road and took several items, according to a police report. The burglar then entered the house and took additional unspecified items.

Before leaving, police said, the crook started a fire in the house and then fled with the stolen property.

Police did not identify the homeowner or specify the extent of the damage to the home.

Gerry Rea of the Clintonville Volunteer Fire Department did not return a telephone call this morning.

Anyone with information is asked to call state police at the Franklin barracks at 814-676-6596.