LEWISTON — A fire in the sprinkler room at the Salvation Army thrift store on Main Street is being investigated as an arson.
Investigators at the Office of the Maine State Fire Marshal determined that there was a human element involved in the May 19 fire, according to Lewiston Police Department Lt. Mark Cornelio, head of the criminal investigations department. Local police are assisting state investigators, he said.
Lewiston Fire Department Inspector Paul Ouellette said he and state investigators worked together to determine the cause of the fire. Details of the investigation aren’t being released as the investigation continues, he said.
The fire, which was contained to that single room, set off a sprinkler there, causing minor water damage, Ouellette said. Smoke from the fire damaged merchandise, including clothing, Ouellette said.
The store remains closed due to renovations and remodeling, he said.
The last time the store underwent renovations was in 2008.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
