An American flag hung from the entrance of the Masonic Temple in Bath was burnt, and investigators say the fire was intentionally set.
First responders were dispatched to the temple on Washington Street Tuesday morning after the burnt flag was discovered, according to Shannon Moss of the Maine Department of Public Safety.
The state fire marshal’s office was called “due to the suspicious nature of the incident,” Moss said. “Following an examination of the scene, investigators determined that the fire had been intentionally set and have classified the incident as arson.”
The building itself received minor damage. Bath police described the temple as “a building that has been an important part of our community for generations.”
Investigators also found that someone placed a new flag on the temple’s fence sometime after the fire.
“Investigators determined that no members or representatives of the Masonic Temple were responsible for placing the replacement flag,” Moss said. “Investigators are seeking the public's assistance in identifying the person who hung the new flag, as they may have information relevant to the investigation.”
Anyone with information about the fire or who placed the replacement flag at the temple is asked to call the state fire marshal’s office at (207) 624-7076, or to leave a tip at 1-888-870-6162 or arsontips.fmo@maine.gov.
