A fire that damaged St. Mary‘s Catholic Church in Franklin on Wednesday evening is believed to have been arson and now state officials are offering a $10,000 reward for information.
First responders went to the church around 5:45 p.m. on Wednesday and quickly knocked down the fire, Franklin Fire Chief James G. McLaughlin, Franklin Police Chief Thomas J. Lynch and State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine said in a joint statement. The fire caused heavy smoke conditions inside the building that required “extensive ventilation,” officials said.
“Houses of worship play a vital role in every community, and our hearts go out to everyone who made St. Mary’s a part of their lives,” McLaughlin said. “We’re deeply relieved that no one was injured and that firefighters were able to contain the fire damage.”
