A two-story family dwelling may be a total loss after the structure caught fire in the 400 block of Johnson Street Monday evening, according to Hillsboro Fire Chief Jerry Powell. The family is on vacation, he said, and no one was at home when the blaze began.
According to assistant fire chief Ed Puckett on Tuesday, the fire remains under investigation.
"It is under investigation by Hillsboro fire investigators in cooperation with the state fire marshal's office. At this time, we can say the fire is considered undetermined. It does appear to be suspicious in nature. We're still investigating."
Puckett said that samples have been taken from the scene for testing, and a determination will be made following their analysis.