SANFORD, Maine — A fire at the vacant International Woolen Mill building in Sanford on Monday is now being investigated as arson.

The fire was reported shortly before 9 a.m. on Oct. 27 at the long-abandoned mill near Heritage Crossing. Firefighters encountered heavy smoke and flames coming from part of the large brick complex and worked for several hours to bring the fire under control. No injuries were reported.

The building has been unoccupied for years and is regularly monitored by local authorities due to safety hazards and ongoing trespassing concerns, the Maine Department of Public Safety said in a press release.

Initial reports from the Sanford Fire Department indicated the fire may have been connected to unauthorized occupants inside the building, public safety officials said. F

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