Arson Suspected In Old Quincy City Hall Fire
BOSTON (CBS) – Investigators consider an overnight fire at Quincy's old City Hall suspicious, likely caused by someone attempting to remove pipes from the building.
Old City Hall, which is located next door to Quincy's new City Hall, is currently being renovated as a part of a $1.6 million downtown revitalization project.
The State Fire Marshal's office said the fire is considered arson. Investigators believe the flames were caused by a torch that was being used to remove copper pipes.
Firefighters said that when they arrived at about 1 a.m. on Tuesday there was heavy fire showing from the left side and rear of the building, but the flames were confined to one section.
Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch said someone also broke into the building last week in an attempt to steal copper.
"Looking at it, it does not appear (the fire) had anything to do with job-related activity," said Koch.
"So whether it was deliberate or accidental in the course of the evening with someone that shouldn't be in there was in there, I think is my best guess."
Old City Hall was built in 1844. Koch said the fire caused the renovation project to be delayed by eight or nine weeks.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Karen Twomey reports
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