Local police have confirmed that a fire that broke out Sunday in a store in east China's Zhejiang Province, killing17 people and hospitalizing six others, was a case of arson.

Police have offered a cash reward of 100,000 yuan (US$12,800) to anyone who provides information leading to the capture of those responsible.

The fire broke out at 1:40 AM at a two-storey store on Luting Road in the Huangyan District of Taizhou City. The second floor of the store was used as living quarters for migrant workers.

Firemen managed to put out the fire at 3:10 AM.

The six people in hospital are out of danger, according to the police.

(Xinhua News Agency February 7, 2007)