GORHAM – Gorham Police Chief Ronald Shepard and Gorham Fire Chief Robert Lefebvre announced Friday investigators probing a series of fires in Gorham have asked a federal agency for assistance.

“Contacts are being made with the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to see if they have any useful expertise that might assist the investigation,” Shepard and Lefebvre said in a joint message to Gorham citizens today.

The Maine Fire Marshal’s office along with Gorham police and fire departments are investigating a string of fires that include four that have been ruled arson and another suspicious. State police have also offered its assistance in the investigation

Here’s the text of the message:.

PUBLIC SAFETY ANNOUNCEMENT FROM CHIEF SHEPARD & CHIEF LEFEBVRE

To the Citizens of Gorham:

We are sure you are all aware that the Town has experienced a series of 5 recent fires that are considered arson fires. Currently, there are significant resources being put into the investigation. The State Fire Marshall’s Office is the lead agency in the investigation and has a team of investigators involved. The Gorham Police Department is involved and, as you would expect, has made this its top priority. Commissioner Morris, the State Bureau of Public Safety (State Police), has also contacted us and the State Fire Marshall’s Office and has offered assistance. In addition, contacts are being made with the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to see if they have any useful expertise that might assist the investigation. The Gorham Fire Department is providing supporting assistance by preserving evidence at the scenes of these incidents and furnishing manpower to assist in the investigations.

We are asking the public for assistance with our investigation by providing us with any suspicious activity information relating to the arson fires. This information could include suspicious persons and/or suspicious vehicles. If you have any information on who may be responsible, please call the Gorham Police Department at 207-839-5581 or, if an emergency, dial 911. You may also send a confidential email with any information by clicking here.

The investigating agencies appreciate your understanding and assistance during this critical investigation. We urge you to be familiar with your surroundings and watchful for suspicious activity.

Members of the Public have begun to respond and are calling in leads to the Police and Fire Departments, and these Departments are following up on the information. In addition, the Police Department and Fire Department are distributing flyers in the areas of West Gorham and North Gorham this afternoon asking the public for help.