BEAUMONT, Texas — Back on June 6 firefighters worked diligently to quell three large building fires that had erupted across Beaumont. Now investigators are beginning to think that this was no coincidence.
One week ago instigators raided Tom Flanagan's office in the San Jacinto Building in downtown Beaumont.
They believe Flannigan helped orchestrate the arson of the three buildings, including the Gilbert Building and the Caroline Gilbert Hinchee House.
People at the Hinchee House did not comment on the investigation into Flanagan, but they have no doubt that the fire was started intentionally.
"Chris Jones came over here, and when he got here he walked on the porch he could smell gas," said Kate Beaver, President of the Hinchee House.
As flames rose from the Gilbert Building on June 6, just a few miles away, the Caroline Gilbert Hinchee House was also set on fire.
"I've heard two different stories about what actually happened, and some that were going to the fire saw this fire and stopped and put it out. Others say somebody called it in," said Beaver.
One week ago 12News learned that Tom Flanagan, the owner of the Gilbert Building, is being investigated for arson in connection with both buildings as well as a house located on MLK Parkway.
"The investigator said this is arson," said Beaver.
Beavers says that in pictures from the investigation, you can see where someone poured gas inside the home and then ignited it with a lit magazine.
"It was just mostly soot. When they repainted they had to scrape some because it had bubbled," said Beavers.
Luckily the fire had been put out quickly, and left minimal damage to the historical home.
"Should we do it all over again it would be devastating. If we even could do it again," said Beaver.
Almost $300K in grants had already been spent on renovations for the building.
"We've put an asphalt roof on so that stopped the water flow, and now we're working on getting the windows in, and we had it repainted," said Beaver.
Beaver says that the fire will not stop them from moving forward with dream of making the building a community center.
"There could be weddings here, child piano lessons. I want to see rocking chairs on that porch, I want to see people sitting around drinking coffee," said Beaver.
Beaver says that the non-profit will be having it's first fundraiser this Saturday at the Downtown Event Center. To find out how to help restore the home to it's former glory click the link here.