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A 111-year-old Texas courthouse went up in flames Thursday night, and authorities have now take a man into custody who they believe started the inferno.

Only the stone outer walls of the Mason County Courthouse survived the dramatic blaze, officials said.

The historic Beaux Arts building had been emptied in preparation for renovations at the time, so there were no injuries and all court records remained safely stored elsewhere.

“Right now, it’s just a shell,” Mason County Judge Jerry Bearden told television station KXAN.

“It just breaks your heart to look at it.”

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A massive fire destroyed most of the Mason County Courthouse in Texas.
A massive fire destroyed most of the Mason County Courthouse in Texas.Mason County Judge Jerry Bearden via AP
This photo provided by Mason County Judge Jerry Bearden shows a fire at the Mason County Courthouse, Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021, in Mason, Texas.
The fire at Mason Country Courthouse destroyed all but the rock outer walls of the 111-year-old building.Mason County Judge Jerry Bearden via AP
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The aftermath of a fire at the Mason County Courthouse in Mason, Texas.
The aftermath of a fire at the Mason County Courthouse in Mason, Texas.Texas State Fire Marshal's Office/AP
Fire investigators suspect arson in both the Mason County Courthouse fire and a fire around the same time at a house about a mile away.
Fire investigators suspect arson in both the Mason County Courthouse fire and a fire around the same time at a house about a mile away.Texas State Fire Marshal's Office via AP
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Authorities did not release the name of the suspect, who is also being looked at for a suspicious fire that same night at a home 1.2 miles from the courthouse.

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