Arson Arrest After Masonic Hall Blaze

Firefighters found no evidence that anyone was in either the car or building at the time of the blaze

Fire officials in New Hampshire said an arrest was made Friday in connection with a blaze that engulfed a building that houses the Farmington Masonic Hall.

Conrad N. Parent III, 33, of Farmington was charged with felony-level arson. He was held at the Strafford County House of Corrections after declining the services of a bail commissioner.

Fire Chief James Reinert told Foster's Daily Democrat that the Farmington Fire Department received reports about a dark-colored Chevy Camaro exploding on Main Street at approximately 4:45 p.m. Thursday.

Reinert says the flames eventually extended to the third floor of the building's exterior. Its first floor was empty, but the building's second and third floors are home to the masonic hall. The building's interior sustained moderate smoke damage on each floor.

Firefighters found no evidence that anyone was in either the car or building at the time of the blaze.

Reinert says an investigation is ongoing, although officials believe the fire was caused by the exploding car.

Anyone with photos or videos of the fire is requested to contact the State Fire Marshal's office at (603) 223-4289.  

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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