Quincy Masonic Temple Fire Ruled Accidental

A four-alarm fire that severely damaged the historic Quincy Masonic Temple has been ruled an accident.

A spokeswoman for the state Department of Fire Services say investigators determined that Monday's fire was started when workers grinding and cutting some ductwork in a tight spot accidentally ignited some nearby insulation. No one was hurt in the fire.

The temple was built in the 1920s and did not have a sprinkler system.

A structural engineer will determine whether the building needs to be demolished.

The building, assessed for $3 million, was in the process of being sold.

Lodge members said the fire destroyed irreplaceable relics, photographs and documents.