MIDDLESEX TWP — Authorities say the Saturday afternoon fire that ravaged a mobile home on Country Side Drive was purposely set.

“That is an arson — clear-cut,” said Fire Marshal Luke Nelson of the New Castle state police barracks. “There were multiple points of origin — no question.”

Nelson said no one was living in the mobile home at 121 Country Side Drive.

“The place has been abandoned for three months,” he said.

Nelson said the tenant was evicted, then the Vandergrift Mortgage Co. foreclosed on the owner.

He estimated damage at $10,000.

“I believe they used an ignitable liquid,” Nelson said.

He said a blue pickup was seen leaving the scene before the fire was spotted.

Township police also are investigating.

The fire was reported to 911 at 4:37 p.m.

The Middlesex Township, Saxonburg and West Deer I volunteer fire departments responded. Crews cleared the scene at 8:05 p.m.