The state police fire marshal is investigating a weekend blaze that damaged an upscale hunting lodge near the Armstrong-Butler County line.

The fire apparently started shortly before 11 p.m. Friday in the basement at the story-and-a-half log cabin-style building at the Queenstown Hunt Club in Perry Township, Armstrong County, authorities said.

The 1,300-acre hunting retreat is owned by the Rosebud Mining Co. In Kittanning.

The retreat, tucked in woods between East Brady and Petrolia, is a popular destination for hunting parties and has hosted pheasant hunts for wounded warriors and special needs children.

No one was injured but the fire caused about $50,000 to the 10-year-old lodge and as much as another $20,000 to its contents, fire officials said.

Two troopers were at the scene after about 30 firefighters from five departments put out the fire, which was under control within 20 minutes.

"There was a lot more smoke damage than anything," said Phil Beabout of the Easy Brady Volunteer Fire Department. "It took us longer to vent the smoke out than to put out the fire.

Firefighters remained at the lodge until about 1:30 am. Saturday putting out hot spots.

The fire was discovered after a burglar alarm motion detector activated, which alerted the home security monitoring company. The company contacted the lodge's caretaker, a retired trooper, who notified authorities including police.