A three-alarm fire tore through a 170-year-old Old City Hall in Quincy, Massachusetts, early Tuesday morning, charring rafters and damaging copper piping inside.
The State Fire Marshal's office says the fire was sparked by an open torch that ignited combustible material inside the building. They believe that torch was being used in an attempt to remove copper pipes.
"We did have a little security problem over the weekend with somebody looking to steal items, whether it's copper or tools or what-have-you, so there is speculation that it could have been that," said Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch.
Investigators believe the same copper thieves may have returned last night. They aren't using the word "arson" because the fire wasn't intentionally set, but they say the theft was "an intentional act."
"It's disappointing to see the shape that the building is in but it could have been a heck of a lot worse. Quick action by first arriving companies really limited the damage," Quincy Fire Chief Joseph Barron said.
Mayor Koch says the project to restore Old City Hall to its original condition was about halfway through when the fire broke out.
He says the damage is covered by the contractor's insurance, but it will likely set the project back about six to eight weeks, meaning it won't open up until next Spring.
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"Thankfully it was really just in a portion of the building that did not affect the entire building structurally. They're still assessing the complete damage, but had it gone to the third floor, gone to the rafters, God knows what could have happened," Mayor Koch added.
Anyone with any information on the copper theft or the fire is asked to call the state's Arson Hotline at 1-800-682-9229.
