Police say temple van set on fire

SWAMPSCOTT - Arson was the cause of a fire in a van belonging to a local temple, according to investigators.
     Fire Lt. Bruce Gordon, who is heading the investigation, said the fire was started in a van belonging to Chabad Lubavitch, 44 Burrill St., sometime between Friday afternoon and early Saturday afternoon.
     "The fire extinguished itself," Gordon said.
     According to police, the fire was reported Saturday at 2:30 p.m. After the initial investigation the van was towed to the Swampscott Police Department where the investigation continues.
     According to police, the van was last seen unburned late Friday afternoon in the synagogue parking lot.
     Chief Ronald Madigan said, "Since this fire occurred at a house of worship we take this investigation extremely seriously.
     "I recognize this incident causes concern and anxiety in the community and I hope that anyone in the community with information will help us and come forward so we can solve this case as quickly as possible," he continued.
     The fire is being investigated by the Swampscott Fire Department, Swampscott Police Department, State Police investigators assigned to the Office of the State Fire Marshal, the Essex District Attorney's Office, The Massachusetts Attorney Generals Office and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATF). The BATF assists with all major houses of worship fire investigations.
     The Arson Watch Reward Program is offering up to $5,000 for any information that helps solve the case.
     State Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan said, "Anyone with information is asked to call the Arson Hotline at 1-800-682-9229, toll-free, 24-hours a day. All calls will be kept confidential."
     Calls to Rabbi Yosef Lipsker of Chabad Lubavitch of the North Shore were not returned this week, but earlier this month High Holy Days were marred by vandals who placed anti-Semitic graffiti inside the synagogue just days before the start of Rosh Hashana. According to police detectives, someone entered the synagogue through an unsecured door.