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ASHLEY — A fire at Bentley’s Night Club that broke out early Tuesday morning is now being investigated as a case of arson, according to Ashley police.

The Pennsylvania deputy fire marshal called to the scene has confirmed that the blaze is a suspected arson, and that the case is still under investigation.

Police tape circled the large commercial building on Route 309 as the deputy fire marshal and troopers with the Forensic Services Unit were investigating Tuesday afternoon.

Hanover Township Fire Chief Joe Temarantz Jr. said the call came in at 5:48 a.m. initially for a vehicle fire with people entrapped. When firefighters arrived at the scene, they discovered the fire was inside the building that also houses banquet rooms.

Temerantz said no one was found inside as firefighters continued to search multiple interior rooms for the source of heavy smoke.

He said a fire was found near the stage area.

It took firefighters about 20 minutes to extinguish the blaze.

Temerantz said the Back Mountain Tanker Task Force was called to assist as there is only one hydrant in the area.

No injuries were reported.

Fire departments from Nanticoke and Ashley assisted at the scene.

Fire crews put out an early morning fire at Bentley’s in Ashley.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/web1_TTL103019bentleys2-6.jpg.optimal.jpgFire crews put out an early morning fire at Bentley’s in Ashley. Aimee Dilger | Times Leader

Firefighters responded to Bentley’s Night Club on Route 309 in Hanover Township early Tuesday morning.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/web1_BENTLEY-S-FIRE-2-7.jpg.optimal.jpgFirefighters responded to Bentley’s Night Club on Route 309 in Hanover Township early Tuesday morning. Ed Lewis | Times Leader

Hanover Township firefighters at the scene of an early morning fire at Bentley’s Night Club on Route 309.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/web1_BENTLEY-S-FIRE-1-7.jpg.optimal.jpgHanover Township firefighters at the scene of an early morning fire at Bentley’s Night Club on Route 309. Ed Lewis | Times Leader

A police officer places evidence in the back of a truck during the investigation at Bentley’s.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/web1_TTL103019bentleys3-1.jpg.optimal.jpgA police officer places evidence in the back of a truck during the investigation at Bentley’s. Aimee Dilger | Times Leader

Hanover Fire Chief Joe Tamarantz speaks about the fire at Bentley’s early Tuesday morning.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/web1_TTL103019bentleys1-6.jpg.optimal.jpgHanover Fire Chief Joe Tamarantz speaks about the fire at Bentley’s early Tuesday morning. Aimee Dilger | Times Leader

By Ed Lewis

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