WHITBY -- A fire at the Rossland Road library branch on Monday night has been ruled arson.
Investigators from the Fire Marshal's office believe the fire, which destroyed books and caused damage to the interior and exterior of the library, was deliberately set.
The damage will keep the location closed, likely until the end of this week CEO Ian Ross said.
The fire occurred just before 10 p.m. on Monday and damage is estimated to be $10,000, Fire Chief Kent McCarl said.
The library is located in a strip mall on the corner of Garden Street and Rossland Road. Police believe someone may have observed activity or suspects in the area of the fire and may be able to assist in this investigation, police said.
Chief McCarl said three trucks responded to the call and one was used to put out the fire. The fire was extinguished in about an hour, he said.
It will be a couple of days before the branch reopens, Mr. Ross said. He said the fire occurred near the entrance of the library. The books and other materials inside the location's drop box were burned, Mr. Ross said.
Clean up will begin after insurance has inspected the site. The library is covered under the Town of Whitby's insurance policy, Mr. Ross said.
Anyone having information about this incident is asked to contact Durham Detective Larry Nobbs at 18 Division in Whitby at 905-579-1520 ext. 1832 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
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