Jul 11, 2013 01:17 PM EDT By Russell Westerholm, UniversityHerald Reporter

A fire that badly damaged a Miami University (Ohio) fraternity house has been ruled as an act of arson, the Dayton Daily News reported.

A $5,000 reward has been set for anyone with information that could lead to those responsible for setting fire to the 100-year-old Phi Gamma Delta house on May 25.

"Investigators want to hear from anyone who saw something out of the ordinary at or around the time of the fire, or who may have heard someone speaking about the fire with an unusual level of interest or knowledge," State Fire Marshal Larry Flowers said in a written statement.

Firefighters arrived on the scene after a fire alarm was triggered around midnight. Numerous fire departments assisted in quelling the blaze, which severely damaged parts of the house and destroyed the roof.

The State Fire Marshal, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Oxford police are investigating the case.

"If it would have just been even a couple of weeks ago, there would have been a lot greater potential for injury or loss of life," Oxford Police Sgt. John Varley told WLWT.

No injuries were reported in the fire, largely because the spring semester had already concluded.

"It was really, really intense. We were standing right there and we could feel the heat just coming towards us," Miami student Mike Oleszkiewicz told WLWT.

Now numerous students planning on living in the house must find alternative housing options.

"I got a couple of buddies on the lacrosse team and they're completely distraught about it," said student Cole Ciambro. "They were going to live there next year. This was going to be their home. They signed a lease with the fraternity to stay there next year now they have to find a place to live."

According to Fox 19, Oxford, Ohio: anyone with information, video or photos involving this fire is asked to call the State Fire Marshal's Fire & Explosion Investigation Bureau at 1-800-589-2728 or the Oxford Police Department's tip line at 513-524-5268.

(The author of this article edited the headline and a reference to Miami University Ohio)

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