The Oct. 21 fire began after Quang Tran, 26, apparently poured a flammable liquid all over his home in the Whitemarsh Island neighborhood, federal investigators ruled.
The liquids caught fire prematurely, causing the explosion, according to the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives.
Neighbors reported the house exploded shortly before noon, followed closely by a second explosion. The roof caved in on the house and debris was scattered across the street. Vinyl siding on homes next to the house melted from the fire's heat.
The fire has been ruled an arson.
Authorities say Tran was seen entering his home minutes before the explosion. His car remained parked with the engine running and with personal belongings - including a dog - inside.
Neighbors managed to rescue the dog after the explosion.
