Norwich Fire At Former Car Wash Site Appears Intentionally Set: PD

NORWICH, CT — A fire Tuesday at the former Colonial Car Wash property on West Main Street appears to have been intentionally set, police said Friday.

No one was injured. The commercial property at 577 West Main St. is vacant, according to police.

The Norwich Fire Marshal’s Office, along with the police department’s Fire Investigation Unit, are jointly investigating the blaze, and the probe is ongoing.

“Its origin and cause suggest it was set intentionally, but more investigation will be needed to legally conclude arson,” police Lt. Nicholas Rankin said Friday.

Fire Marshal Capt. Mark Gilot said Friday officials believe the fire was “incendiary.” The building had electricity to the outside, but not the interior, he said. Officials are looking for any witnesses to come forward as part of the ongoing investigation.

Emergency personnel received multiple 911 calls reporting the fire around 5 p.m. Tuesday.

The Norwich Fire Department, East Great Plains Fire Company, Yantic Fire Company and Mohegan Tribal Fire Department were all involved in extinguishing the blaze, which caused extensive damage.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Officer Jared Szuba at 860-886-5561 ext. 3571, by e-mail to jszuba@cityofnorwich.org, by calling the Norwich Police Department Hotline 860-886-5561 ext. 4, or by calling The Connecticut Arson Hotline 1-800-84ARSON.

Police on Friday advertised a $2,500 reward on Facebook for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case.

All information can be kept confidential.