LEWISTON – Police searched Friday night for people suspected of tossing firebombs onto Bates Street and into a trash bin several blocks away that nearly ignited the former Lewiston Bleachery.

When firefighters reached the trash bin, located behind the massive Adams Avenue mill, flames reached 20 feet high, police said.

The flames grew precariously close to the mill before they were extinguished.

“That could have led to a catastrophe,” Lewiston Police Lt. James Minkowsky said.

About 7:45 p.m., police responded to a call that someone was tossing firebombs from the roof of the Oak Street parking garage onto Bates Street, directly in front of the Lewiston Fire Department’s central station.

When emergency workers arrived, no one was there.

Minutes later, a dispatcher at Lewiston Public Works headquarters on Adams Avenue reported a fire behind the bleachery.

“We’re assuming that they’re related, but we can’t be sure,” Minkowsky said.

One witness had spotted an aging, dark-colored Buick in the area with several passengers, prompting a police search.

Officials worried that even more fires might follow, part of a dangerous teen prank.

“It could have led to a much larger fire,” Minkowsky said. “Kudos to Public Works and Lewiston Fire for their quick response.”

Police offered no answer Friday night about what type of substance was used to create the reported firebombs.

Police and fire officials were investigating.