Bernie Sanders' Vermont office is BURNED DOWN while staff were trapped inside - as cops hunt arsonist who set fire and fled

Senator Bernie Sanders' Vermont office was set ablaze by a suspected arsonist who is on the run.

Burlington firefighters were called to the senators office on the third floor of One Church Street around 10:45 am on Friday.

Police said an unidentified man entered the vestibule of the office, sprayed an accelerant on the door and set it on fire, reported NBC5.

The flames swallowed the door, trapping the senator's employees inside; Sanders himself was at a rally for hotel workers on strike in Los Angeles on Friday. 

'A significant fire engulfed the door and part of the vestibule, impeding the egress of staff members who were working in the office and endangering their lives,' Burlington police said.

Senator Bernie Sanders' Vermont office was set on fire by an arsonist on Friday

Police are seeking help identifying the suspect and released a photo of him wearing an orange beanie, black jacket, dark pants and white sneakers

The flames swallowed the door, trapping the senator's employees inside as the building sprinkler system went off

Video captured by WCAX showed water pouring out of the building that caused flooding and significant damage to the whole property when the sprinkler system when off.

'The door to the Senator's office sustained moderate fire damage, and the third floor and floors below sustained significant water damage,' said the Burlington Fire Department.

No injuries were reported and authorities determined the fire was set intentionally although his motive is unknown at this time.

Police are seeking help identifying the suspect and released a photo of him wearing an orange beanie, black jacket, dark pants and white sneakers.  

Anyone with information regarding the arson suspect is asked to contact the Burlington Police Department at (802) 658-2704. 

Senator Sanders Vermont State Director Kathryn Van Haste said, 'We are grateful to the Burlington Fire and Police Departments who responded immediately today to a fire incident that took place in our office building.'

No injuries were reported and authorities determined the fire was set intentionally although his motive is unknown at this time

Senator Sanders was not at the office during the fire. He was speaking at a rally for striking hotel workers in Los Angeles

'We are relieved that no one on our staff and, to our understanding, no one in the building was harmed. Thank you as well to the Vermont State Police for their assistance and the efforts of the U.S. Capitol Police and the Senate Sergeant at Arms, who are working in coordination with local first responders.'

Burlington Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak's said, 'I am grateful for the quick action of the Burlington Fire and Police Departments in responding to the fire at One Church Street. My office continues to be in close communication with both departments as the investigation is carried out.'

'I have also spoken with Senator Sanders' office, and am relieved to hear that everyone made it out safely. My staff will continue to be in close communication with Senator Sanders' team and offer support as this situation develops.'