Arson Suspected In Historic Gloucester Building Fire

GLOUCESTER (CBS) – A three-alarm fire that heavily damaged an historic building in downtown Gloucester Friday is considered suspicious, Mayor Carolyn Kirk told WBZ NewsRadio 1030.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Doug Cope reports

The fire started just after sunrise in the two-story building on Pleasant Street. It was put out, but it re-ignited later in the morning.

There were law offices on the first floor and an apartment on the second floor of the brick building, which dates back to the 1800's.

Everyone escaped safely.

Kirk said the main concern was keeping the fire from spreading to nearby buildings in the congested part of town.

There are two art galleries next door. Some historic paintings and antiques were damaged by water and smoke.

There's no word yet on how the fire started.

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• Doug Cope