RUMFORD – State fire officials are continuing their investigation into an arson that destroyed five buildings earlier this summer.

Investigator Chris Stanford said many people who live in the Virginia section of town have been interviewed and more will likely be interviewed in the future.

“This takes a lot of time and effort,” he said.

His office is still soliciting information from anyone who may have a lead or know something about what happened on July 8.

During the early morning hours, someone apparently started a fire in a vacant Virgin Street building owned by Betsy Williams.

The blaze quickly spread to four other buildings, including a barn that housed vintage vehicles. Three adjacent structures were also damaged because of the intensity of the blaze.

Officials estimated the damage and destruction at about $500,000. About a half-dozen people were left temporarily homeless.

Stanford said any information on the fire may be reported to the Office of the State Fire Marshal at 626-3870. An anonymous toll-free arson tip line is also available at 1-888-870-6162.