FORWARD TWP — State police are asking for the public’s help in an investigation into last week’s fire that destroyed a vacant house on Old Route 68.

Investigators want to speak to anyone with information about an older model, dark-colored pickup truck that was seen parked on Old Route 68 in front of the house shortly before the fire Thursday afternoon.

The blaze about 1:30 p.m. gutted the home that had been vacant for several years. The house did not have utility lines hooked up to it.

Neighbors reported hearing banging coming from house and then seeing the pickup, which had been parked there, drive away. Moments later, the fire was discovered.

The state police fire marshal’s office is investigating what started the blaze that caused about $5,000 in damage to the house owned by 97-year-old Bertha Burry, who has lived at St. John’s Specialty Care Center for more than five years, authorities said.

Anyone with information is asked to call Trooper David Jungling, a deputy fire marshal, at 724-284-8100.