A fire that damaged a Dennysville church was an act of arson, according to investigators.

The fire, which started near the back of the building, occurred shortly before 8 a.m. on Monday at the Dennysville Edmunds Congregational Church, according to Shannon Moss of the Maine Department of Public Safety.

Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, which damaged the church’s exterior. 

“Thanks to a quick and coordinated response, crews were able to rapidly bring the fire under control and prevent it from spreading into the main structure,” Dennysville Volunteer Fire Department Chief Justin Doran said in a social media post. ”Their efforts limited the damage primarily to the exterior of the church.”

No one was at the church at the time and no injuries were reported. 

In a later post, Doran wrote that he was saddened to learn that the fire was an act of arson.

“This church has been a part of the community for generations and has meant so much to so many people over the years,” Doran said. “Learning that this fire was intentionally set is heartbreaking.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the State Fire Marshal’s Office at (207) 973-3700.

“Please, if you saw or heard anything that morning, no matter how small or insignificant you think it may be, I encourage you to call,” Doran said. “You never know what small breadcrumb may lead investigators to the next piece of the puzzle. Even something that seems unimportant could make all the difference.”