LIVERMORE FALLS — When police responded to a burglary alarm at The Corner Store early Tuesday morning, they found a small fire on the side of the building.

State Fire Marshal’s Office investigator Chris Stanford has ruled the cause of the fire was arson.

The burglary alarm sounded at about 2:30 a.m. in the small store at 31 Pleasant St.

When police arrived they found the building was secure and no one had gained entrance, Livermore Falls Chief Ernest Steward Jr. said. Police believe nothing was taken from the store.

As they walked around the building, they discovered a small fire in an area that may have held an air conditioner at one time.

About 15 firefighters from the Livermore Falls Fire Department responded and knocked it down quickly, Fire Chief Gerry Pineau said.

Two engines and ladders arrived. Jay and Livermore fire departments were called out but were then canceled due to the quick “knock down,” Amanda Leclerc, spokesman for the Livermore Falls department, said.

The owner, Erica Poland, has closed the store temporarily. Small white signs are posted in the covered windows while boards cover the front door. A tarp now covers a portion of the roof.

Police received an estimate of damage at $200.

Attempts to reach Poland later Tuesday were unsuccessful. A recording on the store phone says the store will reopen soon and she will keep everyone posted.

The incident is under investigation as a joint effort between the State Fire Marshal’s Office, Livermore Falls Police Department and Livermore Falls Fire Department.

The store is attached to a separate, private residence, which was not damaged. There were no injuries reported during the incident.

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