MADISON — For the second time in the past week, authorities have labeled a fire in town as suspicious.

Shortly after 8 p.m. Tuesday, firefighters responded to a fire at a vacant home at 77 Preble Ave. Last Tuesday, firefighters spent several exhausting hours battling a huge fire that struck the former Anson Stick factory near the Kennebec River.

Fire Chief Roger Lightbody said Wednesday that his crew extinguished the small Preble Avenue fire within minutes.

Lightbody said that the door was open and combustible items had been piled on a rocking chair in the kitchen, where the fire originated.

“It had elements of human intervention,” the chief said. “I guess you could use the word ‘suspicious.’”

Lightbody said that the state Fire Marshal’s Office believes the mill fire was deliberately set, but has not made an official determination of arson.