Cape Jellison arson probe continues with no arrests

STOCKTON SPRINGS – A week after arson caused $2.8 million in damage to a high-end condo project on Cape Jellison, no arrests have been made, but investigators are still investigating tips, an official said Thursday.

Two buildings in the South Cape Shores project were leveled by the Feb. 19 fire.

Joel Davis of the state Fire Marshal’s Office said investigators began conducting interviews within hours of the blaze and were still working the Stockton Springs area.

“I was down there today,” Davis said Thursday. “We’re conducting interviews and following up on tips and leads that people have called in.”

Davis said the investigation was progressing but that no formal action had been taken. “We’re not focused on anybody at this point,” he said.

He said the fire was caused by an “internal human element,” and he urged people to contact authorities if they recalled seeing anything suspicious the night of the fire or had knowledge of incriminating comments.

“We’re looking for help from the public,” he said. “These things can break on one phone call. You can’t put a time limit on any investigation.”

The fire was reported about 10:30 p.m. by a Lighthouse Road resident. When firefighters arrived they found one building engulfed in flames and a second ablaze. A third building, between the two, escaped the flames. The three buildings were unconnected.

Investigators at the scene the next day indicated that because the two outside buildings of the three burned while the middle did not, the fire was “more than likely” of suspicious cause.