Investigators have identified "persons of interest" and have plans to use a lie detector in the investigation of a fire that destroyed a Merrimac rental lodge in July.

Though no one is yet considered a suspect, the lie detector test could help identify or eliminate multiple people who are "under an umbrella of suspicion," said Detective Sgt. Jay Yerges of the Columbia County Sheriff's Office.

He would not say whether authorities think the fire that consumed the Glen Valley Lodge in the middle of the night July 29 was the result of arson, but characterized it as suspicious.

"You can read between the lines a little bit from the resources we're putting into the case," Yerges said. "It's a suspicious fire and we're investigating it, obviously, from that aspect."

Physical evidence from the fire was sent to the state Crime Lab, but analysis is not complete on a portion of it, Yerges said. Yerges said it's too soon to say if criminal charges might be filed.

"I would anticipate charges if we can link someone to the scene," he said.

Lodge co-owner Cindi Davis said she and her husband haven't decided if they will rebuild. They don't know how much their insurance company will pay out.

Officials have estimated damage to the two-story, 18-bedroom lodge at about $700,000.

Davis said the insurance company is conducting its own investigation and asking questions of people from the neighborhood, just north of state Highway 78 off Durward's Glen Road.

"We're just sitting back, waiting and letting them do their jobs," Davis said of the investigation. "Right now, we're still kind of in shock. It's still very difficult."

In the meantime, Davis and her husband are focusing on their online travel agency, CJSDiscountTravelDeals.com, and Davis also works as a cosmetologist. The lodge was not their only source of income, Davis said.

By the time firefighters arrived after midnight, they could only hope to control the blaze at the lodge, which is surrounded by 30 acres owned by the Davises.