Arson Cause Of 2 Falmouth Fires

The state fire marshal's office and Falmouth officials say early-morning fires that damaged two local businesses were both intentionally set.

State Fire Marshal Stephen Coan and the town's fire and police chiefs say the investigation now becomes a criminal one as police try to determine who started the blazes and whether they are connected.

The first fire, which occurred at 12:50 a.m. Monday and destroyed the Fabric Corner, was officially ruled arson on Tuesday.

Investigators had previously said the second fire, which broke out a short time later at the Dollar Tree store, was deliberately set.

State and local officials are seeking information anyone who may have heard or saw anything in the area around the time either fire started.