Reading firefighters battled a second fire in that community in as many days on Tuesday morning.
NewsCenter 5's Gail Huff reported that the three-alarm fire on Woburn Street broke out at about 7:30 a.m. Tuesday.
Firefighters fought a blaze Monday that broke out in an adult video store that's located about three miles up the road. A pizza shop and a liquor store were also destroyed.
"It could be somebody running around lighting these fires. It is very upsetting," business owner Paul McGee said.
Fire officials think the flames ignited in the attic of the Woburn Street building. The building houses professional offices, including a chiropractor's office and a lawyer's office.
Some business owners and residents fear the two fires could be connected.
"There is no indication that they are connected. Nothing has been ruled out, but there is nothing to indicate that they are connected. It could just be coincidence," Reading Fire Chief Gregg Burns said.
There was no word on any injuries. Part of Reading's downtown area was closed.
"Obviously, we will work with the tenants and the business owners to see if we can get them back up in operation and get the tenants relocated," Reading Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner said.
"I am anxious to get into the store and see if there is any smoke damage or anything else," said Mike Begien, of CB Designs.
State fire investigators are collecting evidence to try to determine how the fires started.
Previous Stories:
- January 17, 2006: Crews Battle Second Reading Fire
- January 16, 2006: Cold Weather Hampers Firefighters
- January 16, 2006: Fire Guts Businesses Overnight
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