Harold Boyd, an investigator with the Durham Fire Department, declined to answer questions as to possible motive for arson involving the structure at 4921 McCormick Road near Revere Road and N.C. 54.

"The only thing I can tell you is that it appears to be a set fire and I don't have any good leads on it right now," Boyd said Monday afternoon.

The fire was reported at 1:41 a.m. Wednesday. The owner was listed as Vincenzo Luther, but the house was not occupied at the time of the fire, Boyd said.

Boyd acknowledged being told that an automobile recently caught fire in the area, but said he didn't have any information regarding that incident.

Boyd said there have been past fires in the area but that "most of them were routine-type."

Neighborhood residents weren't at home, didn't answer their doors or declined comment when a reporter canvassed the neighborhood Monday afternoon.

Anyone with any information about the fire is asked to call the Durham Fire Department at (919) 560-4242 and ask for Boyd.