The State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating after a nighttime fire on Thursday left Mason County’s historic courthouse in ruins.

Built in 1909, the courthouse was more than 100 years old.

“It’s like losing a member of the family,” said Mason County Judge Jerry Bearden on Friday. “We’re so proud of our courthouse and it’s gone.”

Bearden, who also is the county’s Emergency Management Coordinator, told the News on Friday that he considers the fire to be suspicious and that two investigators from the State Fire Marshal’s Office already were at the scene.

“We had lots of help from (area) fire departments, but it burned really fast and hot,” Bearden said. “That makes me wonder what could have caused it.”

The fire started around 10-10:15 p.m. on Feb. 4, triggering a massive emergency response from area agencies including Brady, Llano, Melvin, Loyal Valley and Pontotoc.

Folks have been asking if there’s any way that they can help the small town.

“We’re probably going to be setting up a fund so that we can accept donations, and we’ll also be working with the Texas Historical Commission,” Bearden said.

Because renovations on the interior of the courthouse were set to begin in May, the county’s records and much of the interior furniture had been moved out.

However, antique furniture including the original desks, courtroom and judge's benches were destroyed in the fire.

Folks can expect the area to be cordoned off for a while, Bearden said.

"With God's blessing, we're going to be back."

This is a developing story.