A fire that gutted two historic buildings in Skibbereen yesterday is being investigated to determine if the blaze was caused by arson.
However, Chief Superintendent Con Cadogan said there may be a simpler explanation.
He said a forensic examination getting underway this morning will direct their investigation.
A Scenes of Crime Team are due on site today together with local gardaí heading up the investigation and senior members of the Fire Service.
The buildings are said to be in a precarious condition.
Chief Supt Cadogan said gardaí will be examining extensive CCTV footage from North Street as part of their investigation.
"There may be a simple explanation, but with any potential case of arson extensive tests have to taken and that takes time."
The fire at the derelict Sisters of Mercy site broke out at around 3.50pm yesterday.
Dampening down operations at the scene continue late last night.
Both the former chapel - designed by English Architect Edward W Pugin - and the convent building were destroyed in the blaze.
Both buildings have been unoccupied since 2004 when the Sisters of Mercy religious order left the town after 144 years.
