Investigators ask for tips about suspicious fire at former State School building

LACONIA — A suspicious fire torched the Spaulding Building of the former Laconia State School in the early morning hours on Sunday, and local and state investigators are determining the cause.

State Fire Marshal Sean P. Toomey, along with Laconia Fire Chief Tim Joubert and Police Chief Matt Canfield, said a joint investigation is underway to find the origin and cause of the fire. While the Fire Marshal’s Office is leading the investigation, Laconia Deputy Fire Chief Louis Loutrel said local police are also involved.

“In the days since the fire, investigators have been collecting and reviewing evidence and conducting interviews,” a prepared statement reads.

Fire departments from across the Lakes Region responded to the blaze that destroyed the Spaulding Building at 2:50 a.m. on June 14. Additional companies were called at 3:09 a.m. Loutrel said it took about 20 minutes to find the source of the fire, and a glow could be seen on Old North Main Street.

Upon arrival, firefighters found half of the building on fire, with flames coming from its roof and windows. The fire caused the entire roof to collapse. No one was injured in the fire.

The water supply to extinguish the fire came through a pressurized hydrant near the entrance of Right Way Path.

Loutrel said thankfully it did not spread to surrounding structures or brush. The smell of smoke reached the start of Right Way Path, adjacent to the Robbie Mills Sports Complex, and smoke could still be seen above the tree line at 10 a.m. on Sunday. The bricks likely contained the fire, but due to its instability, the building was demolished on Sunday afternoon.

TLoutrel expects debris from the building to continue to smoke throughout the week. Loutrel also said around 3 a.m. on Sunday, there was an explosion from a compressed air canister, but nobody was hurt. The area has been blocked off with police tape.

Loutrel said since the building was vacant and there were no utilities, and it happened in the middle of the night, the fire is considered suspicious.

Laconia Fire was helped by departments from Belmont, Franklin, Gilford, Meredith, Sanbornton, Tilton-Northfield, and Lakes Region Mutual Fire Aid. Center Harbor, Gilmanton, and Meredith EMS provided station coverage.

All aspects of the fire are being investigated, and the Fire Marshal’s Office is asking anyone with information to call 603-223-4289, or email the Fire Marshal’s Office at fmo@dos.nh.gov. Tips can also be reported anonymously to the Arson Hotline at 800-400-3526.