Car Set on Fire Outside Mather

A parked car which had been reported stolen was destroyed by fire outside Mather House late last night in an apparent arson.

Fire charred the paint job and gutted the interior of the white 1974 Buick Regal sedan, which was parked on Flagg St. between Mather tower and Peabody Terrace. No injuries were reported.

"The car is totally destroyed--It won't be on the road again," said Cambridge Fire Department Deputy Chief William D. Rose, adding that there's a possibility an accelerant was used," because a smoldering cigarette would not likely cause such extensive damage. The car's owner's name could not be obtained.

Witnesses reported the fire about 10:45 pm. Two fire trucks responded within minutes, and firefighters had difficulty extinguishing the stubborn flames.