The 1800s-era farmhouse featured in the film "The Bridges of Madison County" was damaged Monday by a fire that officials said was deliberately set.

Winterset, Iowa, firefighters put out a fire on the house featured in the movie 'Bridges of Madison County', Monday, Oct. 6, 2003, near Cumming, Iowa. [AP]

It was the third structure connected with the 1995 movie and the 1992 novel of the same name to be set afire. One wood bridge was destroyed in 2002 and another was damaged last month.

Norwalk Fire Chief Tom Fleming said late Monday that the house fire, like the bridge blazes, was arson. "There's still another step to determine if it's related to the bridges," he said.

The latest fire, only days before the annual Madison County Covered Bridge Festival, was reported shortly before 7 a.m., and flames were out just over an hour later. The northwest corner of the house was extensively damaged, authorities said.

Fire burned through the interior and exterior walls and from the basement into the attic, Fleming said.

The two-story wood-framed house sits in the countryside 10 miles northwest of Winterset. It is known as "Francesca's house" because it was used in the film as the home of lead character Francesca Johnson, portrayed by Meryl Streep.

The film, based on Robert Waller's best-selling novel, featured central Iowa's covered bridges as the focal point for a romantic relationship between Johnson and professional photographer Robert Kincaid.

Clint Eastwood produced, directed and starred in the film.

Madison County Sheriff Paul Welch said the timing of the house fire — with the annual bridge festival set for this weekend — heightens his concern that the tourist attractions are being targeted.

"It's very unfortunate and I suppose you could use that as an indicator, with the festival coming up and this is part of the scenario also," Welch said. "This is all part of the movie and it's very concerning."

Inside the home, a gift shop selling movie memorabilia had smoke damage. The house is decorated with many of the movie's props.

"I couldn't believe somebody has done something like this again," said Barb Bell, who owns the farmhouse. "It's a hard day."

The house had been abandoned for nearly 35 years but was renovated for the movie.

Welch said no leads have developed in the bridge fires. The Hogback Bridge was damaged slightly on Sept. 6. Cedar Bridge was destroyed in September 2002.

"I think it's causing quite a bit of concern around here. It's something that can't be replaced," said Ron Waugh, who lives a mile east of the house. "I just don't understand why people have to destroy something like that."

Madison County once had 19 covered bridges; five remain standing. All are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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