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Rangers investigating fire in Independence National Historical Park building as arson

The blaze broke out in the evening of Dec. 24

The Carpenter’s Hall had fire damage to its basement. The blaze remains under investigation.
The Carpenter’s Hall had fire damage to its basement. The blaze remains under investigation.Read moreTyger Williams / Staff Photographer
    by Jesse Bunch
    Updated 
    Published 

U.S. Park Rangers are investigating a fire that broke out within the Independence National Historical Park in Old City last week.

An officer discovered the blaze shortly after 8 p.m. on Dec. 24 in the basement of Carpenters Hall, a spokesperson for the Philadelphia Fire Department said.

The incident is being investigated as arson.

The fire engulfed the building’s basement before first responders arrived, the park said in a statement. A Fire Department spokesperson said that firefighters opened up walls and the ceiling to ensure the fire didn’t spread and that the incident was under control shortly after 8:30 p.m.

Carpenters Hall was home to the First Continental Congress in 1774 and is considered the birthplace of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating alongside the Philadelphia Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Anyone with information can call or text the park’s tip line at 888-853-0009.