A fire that destroyed a building in disrepair in Massachusetts is being considered suspicious, according to the State Fire Marshall's Office.
The West Yarmouth building where the fire took place has been vacant for an extended period of time and had no utilities, authorities said. Investigators believe someone was inside the building without permission and either intentionally or accidentally started the fire.
Anyone with information about the fire is asked to call the confidential Arson Hotline at 1-800-682-9229 or the Yarmouth Police Department.
Yarmouth Fire said it received a call about a fire with fire through the roof at 606/610 Route 28 in West Yarmouth Saturday at approximately 4:20 a.m.
The first engine to arrive at the scene reported that at least 50 percent of the building was involved in the fire. It immediately called for a Second Alarm Assignment, officials said.
According to authorities, the three-unit building was not occupied and in disrepair. The fire was fully involved from the center unit from the floor through the roof.
Crews responding to the scene did an exterior fire attack because the structure was not safe to enter, officials said.
U.S. & World
According to officials, the fire was put out in 45 minutes.
“The quick decision to go to a Second Alarm due to limited response while other crews were on medical calls was key to a successful outcome at this fire," said Deputy Fire Chief Jon Sawyer. "The Second Alarm quickly brought in our neighboring fire departments, and, through our combined efforts, the fire was confined to this structure only. A neighboring house and the West Yarmouth Post Office was not affected by the fire. All crews on location did a fantastic job with no reported injuries.”
According to officials, crews are still on scene, wetting down hot spots.
The Massachusetts State Police Fire Investigation Team from the Fire Marshall's Office is on location, assisting Yarmouth's Fire Investigation Team to determine the origin and cause of the fire.
It remains an active investigation. No cause has been determined at this time.
