COTTONWOOD -- Cottonwood Fire and units from Clarkdale and Jerome were called to the old Masonic Lodge in Verde Heights, above Old Town Cottonwood, Thursday.
Smoke was reported coming from the concrete block meeting hall about 2:06 p.m.
Crews snuffed out the blaze inside that was burning in debris. Investigators found fire had originated in at several points suggesting a suspicious fire.
County records show the Masonic organization has sold the building and land years ago and after several transactions now is owned by a Boca Raton, Fla., corporation.
The building, which has long stood vacant, has been repeatedly vandalized, windows broken and used by transients.
The fire which was quickly controlled had been burning in debris and trash collected on the floor. The fire did not reach the roof timber and the building was not damaged structurally.
Even though damage was not substantial, a structure fire always brings adjoining agencies. Clarkdale, Jerome and Verde Valley Ambulance assisted in the incident.
