CT Man Started Multiple Brush Fires, Police Say

WOLCOTT, CT — A man is facing charges after police say he set multiple brush fires in Wolcott.

Police and firefighters responded to seven separate brush fires Nov. 21 in the area of streets on the west side of Wolcott Road.

The fires were reported between 3 and 4:30 a.m., with each fire occurring in a different location.

Police and the fire marshal started an investigation, discovering there was a history of brush fires dating several years back with similarities to those Nov. 21.

Surveillance footage also showed the area near where the fires were ignited.

Police identified the suspect as Joseph Goffredo, 75, of Wolcott.

Goffredo confessed that he lit the brush fires Nov. 21, police said.

"Goffredo stated that he started the first fire because there was excessive brush at the end of his street, which he claimed obstructed his view of oncoming traffic," police said. "He also admitted to starting at least one prior brush fire."

He turned himself in Thursday. Goffredo was arrested and charged with eight counts of reckless burning. Bond was set at $200,000.

He was taken to Waterbury Superior Court for arraignment.