Maple Grove historic Village Hall fire investigated as arson

MAPLE GROVE, Minn. (FOX 9) - Investigators suspect that a fire at a historic building in Maple Grove Tuesday night may have been intentionally set, and they are asking for the public's help to identify a possible suspect. 

The building, the historic Maple Grove Village Hall, caught fire last night around 9:15 p.m. When fire crews arrived on scene, they found the fire showing from the rear of the building and significant smoke. 

The fire was under control by around 10:15 p.m. 

Investigators believe the driver of a vehicle was captured on a nearby surveillance camera just prior to the fire may have been responsible for setting the blaze. 

Detectives are asking residents to check any footage recorded by their home security systems between 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m Tuesday for any vehicle matching the following description: a white Chevrolet Equinox with dark-colored rims and a black antenna on the roof.

Investigators believe the driver of this white Chevrolet Equinox may have been responsible for setting a fire at Historic Maple Grove Village Hall on Tuesday night. (Image provided)

The fire comes after a historic building in Minneapolis caught fire three different times. 

The building was used as the primary offices of the city of Maple Grove from 1939 to 1975 and most recently by the parks and recreation department.

At this time the investigation is ongoing, and the cause of the fire is undetermined.