Information about UM fire could bring reward

ORONO – A reward for $10,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people who set the fire at the University of Maine’s Hancock Hall on May 7, university sources announced Wednesday.

“There is strong commitment to find out who set the fire, and the timing of the reward is to encourage returning students to notify officials if they have important information,” said Joe Carr, university spokesman.

Funds for the reward will be come through the university’s Student Affairs Division.

The early morning fire, which quickly was ruled arson by state fire investigators, occurred in a first-floor lounge during the final days of the spring semester. It caused more than $500,000 in damage to the residence hall. Several students were treated for smoke inhalation at the scene, and four students and a visitor required treatment at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor.

No one was seriously injured, but more than 200 students were displaced during the final two weeks of the semester.

The interior of the building was renovated at a cost of $1 million during the summer months and is now occupied by more than 230 students. Advanced sprinkler and fire alarm systems were added.

A telephone line to record any volunteered information is (207) 581-4072. A direct line to UM Detective Chris Gardner, who is investigating the case, is (207) 581-4040.