A fire in Greenville has gutted the Maine town’s historic Columbia-Doric Masonic Lodge. The Greenville Fire Department responded to the Masonic Lodge at 281 Pritham Ave. shortly after 1:05 a.m. Monday.
Crews encountered heavy flames in the building when they arrived at the scene. Firefighters not only battled flames but also extreme cold and snow. Video shows the lodge’s roof collapsed, and officials are working to determine the structural integrity of the brick walls. The Columbia-Doric Masonic Lodge is nearly 100 years old.
Greenville Fire Chief Sawyer Murray said the community is coming together to help and that Masonic lodges from across the state of Maine have reached out to offer their support.
“That’s what Masons do, for sure, and I expect that to continue for the long run. I mean, until there’s a new building built,” Murray told WMTW media partner WABI. “I don’t know when, don’t know how, but they will rebuild. No question.”
The Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office said the fire originated in the kitchen area in the building’s basement. The specific ignition source and cause of the fire, however, could not be identified due to the extent of the damage. Investigators said there is no evidence to indicate the fire was the result of an intentional act.
