A pair of teenagers walking behind the Wiard Plow Co. building on Swan Street spotted smoke coming from a window in the back of the old factory building, so they went to a nearby business and called 9-1-1.
When city firefighters arrived, there was just a little smoke showing and after they made their way into the building, they found smoldering office papers. They were files left behind from a previous business that had been set on fire, according to Lt. James Steinbrenner.
While the fire appears to be intentional, or at least set by the action of some person, there was no accelerant, which would be used in a typical arson.
The fire may have just be a result of people who were hanging out in the building and lighting matches. Four partially burned birthday candles were found in a room adjoining the interior office where the fire was found. The fire did not extend beyond that office.
The burning paper was extinguished quickly by the City of Batavia Fire Department.
The way the paper was spread on the floor, it's possible somebody has been using it as bedding.
Access to the building is wide open through a back wall that is completely collapsed.
