Investigators say an arsonist set this week’s fire in northern Iowa that gutted a 91-year-old building on the National Register of Historic Places. Mason City firefighters were called to the vacated Long Branch Saloon and Dodge House late Tuesday night. Firefighters were able to calm the blaze around 2:00 Wednesday morning.
An investigation Wednesday by the Mason City Fire Department and the Iowa State Fire Marshall’s Office determined the fire was set intentionally. The Fire Department is now asking for the public’s help in obtaining information about the fire. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Mason City Police or the State Fire Marshall’s Office at 515-281-5821.