Bay City Police Sgt. James Philp was on patrol on Ave F. at 11:57 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6, and identified smoke coming from the old Masonic Lodge, 3404 Ave F.
Philp and additional officers investigated and discovered an open door at the back section of the building.
Inside, the officers could see flames.
The Bay City Volunteer Fire Department and the Bay City Fire Marshal were dispatched. The fire department discovered several fires inside the building.
The fire department personnel extinguished the fire in about 30 minutes, but remained on scene evacuating the smoke and performing overhaul operations for another hour.
The building had been vacant, and no one was injured during the incident. The damage is estimated to be about $5,000.
The fire marshal’s preliminary investigation blamed the fire on arson and the investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information on the fire is encouraged to contact the Bay City Fire Marshal at 979-318-7130 or through dispatch at 979-245-8500.
