BELLEFONTE, Pa.—A fire that ravaged a historic hotel building in central Pennsylvania last month has been ruled arson.

The Centre Daily Times ( http://bit.ly/PpdLjZ) says the Bellefonte fire chief made the announcement at the borough council meeting Monday night.

Chief Shawn Weaver said the Sept. 9 blaze at the former Garman Hotel that housed the Hotel Do De was a "deliberate and intentional act."

Weaver said the investigation remains open.

Building owner John Dann Sr. said last month that the structure would be demolished.

Borough officials told him to remove the cupola from the roof as soon as possible, saying it was a public safety hazard.

The federal Small Business Administration is allowing the 29 displaced residents to apply for low-interest loans to replace lost items.

———

Information from: Centre Daily Times, http://www.centredaily.com