Fire crews battle the July 16 blaze on Central Street in Woodstock. (Eric Francis Photo)
___________________________________________________________
State fire investigators released the following statement released this afternoon, Wednesday, Aug. 22, regarding the investigation of the July 16 fire that ripped through the building at 47-55 Central Street in Woodstock Village:
As a result of lab analysis of items seized by investigators on the original date of the fire July 16, 2018, this fire is now classified as Incendiary, purposefully set. The results from the Vermont Crime Lab indicates the presence of accelerants in those exhibits. Anyone with additional informational can contact Woodstock Fire Chief Green or Det. Sgt. Steven Otis at the Westminster Barracks at 802-722-4669. You may also utilize the Vermont Arson Tip Award Program at 1-800-32-ARSON. Information provided that results in an arrest could win the caller up to $5,000 cash.
Additional evidentiary items removed from the scene on 07-18-2018 have yet to be completed by the Lab.