Crime & Safety

Mansion Fire Report: Electrical Failure Possible

The estimated damage is $13.5 million from the Villanova fire.

The fire that may be have been caused by an "electrical failure," according to fire marshal Don Wood's report.

But "there is no conclusive evidence to support that conclusion," he continues.

Although the ignition factor remains undetermined, the fire marshal states that the fire started in the basement ceiling beneath the attached garage.

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The from the fire for owner Jerald Batoff of Bala Cynwyd, is $10 million in the structure and $3.5 million in contents.

The house was being rented by Julie Charbonneau and Dean Topolinski.

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The mansion may the subject of a , who claims that the owner was trying to cut her out of a commission.

According to the fire marshal's report, the exterior of the mansion is stone, the interior walls are plaster, the floors are wood and the roof is slate.


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