The former synagogue in Sieradz, Poland was seriously damaged by fire that broke out Thursday night (April 17) and blazed until nearly dawn on Friday before firefighters managed to put it out.
Pictures published on the nazse.fm news site show extensive damage to the upper floors and roof of the building — the wooden construction of the roof contributed to the fierceness of the blaze, a spokesman for the Sieradz fire brigade was quoted as saying.
Irena Kulesza, a Virtual Shtetl cooperator, reported that the cause of the fire has not been identified, and the case will be investigated by a specially appointed commission. According to nasze.fm, however, firefighters say arson is unlikely.
Built in 1819-1824, the synagogue was damaged in World War II. After the war it served as a storehouse and today is a commercial center housing a number of shops.
Here is footage of the blaze, shot by Karina Grzelak: