ALLAN THOMAS VIGIL
A series of intentionally set fires appeared to be solved Sunday with the arrest of Allan Thomas Vigil, 21, of Bath.
Vigil is suspected in as many as four fires. He was arraigned Monday on one count of felony arson and one count of felony burglary and faces 30 years in prison if convicted.
Both charges stem from a July 4 arson fire at Merrymeeting Child Development Center at 2 Davenport Circle. No charges have yet been filed in the other three alleged arsons.
Bath police and firefighters responded to a call on Sunday at the Bath Area Family YMCA in which two Dumpsters were on fire. During a canvass of the area, Bath police Detective Ted Raedel found Vigil nearby and identified him.
State fire marshal investigator Mary MacMaster and Bath police Detective Marc Brunelle said evidence connects Vigil to the YMCA fire; to the July 4 fire at 2 Davenport Circle, which disrupted the Merrymeeting Child Development Center; and two additional fires — July 1 fire at the Bath landfill, and July 14 fire at a public works storage facility off Oak Grove Avenue.
Police said the landfill fire could have caused serious injuries or damage, since a small propane tank had been thrown into it, but the fire was put out before the tank exploded.
There were no injuries in any of the fires. Vigil was arrested at his home and taken to Two Bridges Jail.
At his arraignment Monday, the state requested a mental health evaluation for Vigil.
His bail conditions was set at $20,000 cash; he is also banned from possessing incendiary devices, ordered not to contact Bath Fire Chief Mike Clark, and is not permitted within 1,000 feet of his home at 12 Park St. in Bath.
According to court records, Vigil had made threats against Clark.
ghamilton@timesrecord.com
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