Gardai investigating fire at former masonic lodge in ballymahon

Gardai in Ballymahon are investigating whether a fire at a former Freemasons' Lodge in Ballymahon was started maliciously.

The blaze was reported shortly after 9pm last night (Thursday) and resulted in three units of the fire service, from Ballymahon and Longford, working for two hours to put it out.

Speaking to the Westmeath Independent, Sergeant Ray Tubman of Ballymahon Garda station said the site had been preserved for a technical examination.

'We can't know for sure if it was malicious or if trespassing was involved,' he said. No suspects have been identified at this stage.

The building, which was derelict, is located on the Ballymulvey Road, next to St Catherine's Church of Ireland.