Nov. 8--NEW PHILADELPHIA -- Schuylkill County Crimestoppers and state police at Frackville are asking for the public's help in finding those responsible for starting a fire that destroyed a borough tavern on Oct. 17.

Flames gutted Moe's Pub at 57 Water St. and also damaged two adjoining row homes at 53 and 55 Water St., state police at Frackville said.

A state police fire marshal determined that the 2:50 a.m. blaze was intentionally set and ruled the cause as arson.

After the fire, the building was broken into twice and quantities of liquor were stolen each time, troopers said.

Those responsible pried open a boarded-up doorway on the Wiggan Street side of the building to gain entrance, troopers said.

Fire officials said the massive blaze was lit only about 20 minutes after the last patrons left Moe's for the night.

Schuylkill County Crimestoppers will pay up to $1,000 for information leading to the identification those responsible for this fire or on any other crime in Schuylkill County.

Callers are asked to refer to incident number 11-08-09 when calling about the arson in New Philadelphia.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crimestoppers, toll-free, at 877-TIPS4SC (877-847-7472). Those with information can also contact state police at Frackville directly at 874-5300.

All information received will remain confidential.

-----

To see more of the Republican & Herald or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.republicanherald.com.

Copyright (c) 2009, Republican and Herald, Pottsville, Pa.

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.

A service of YellowBrix, Inc.