Possible ‘Incendiary Fire’ Investigated In West Haven: Officials

WEST HAVEN, CT — Authorities are continuing to investigate an apparent “incendiary fire” that occurred at a vacant home, owned by the Haven Group LLC, over the weekend in West Haven, according to officials. A major two-alarm structure fire took place at 22 Richards Place late Friday night (Feb. 8). The fire was reported at about 10:30 p.m. and was brought under control at 11:44 p.m. No serious injuries were reported, according to a news release from the mayor’s office.

“The cause is currently inconclusive, pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation,” Chief James O’Brien, of the Center District Fire Department, said in the news release.

Mayor Nancy R. Rossi, who was kept apprised of the situation throughout the night on Friday, met with Fire Marshall Keith Flood of the Center Fire District at the scene on Saturday morning.

“The fire remains under investigation at this time, and it is looking like an incendiary fire,” he said.

The West Haven Police Department is assessing the remaining vacant properties to identify vulnerabilities. Matt Armstrong, from the Haven Group, LLC, took part in an onsite conference call, and said, “We will cooperate with the City of West Haven throughout the weekend and on Monday to get the site safe and secure. Standard Builders, at the expense of the Haven Group, is out in the field with their professional carpenters, securing the remaining houses to a higher standard. We continue to stay on top of the situation.”

The charred building was secured by a temporary fence around the structure. A demolition company will be onsite on Monday, Feb. 11, to begin dismantling the building.

“As a local developer, we’re on call 24/7,” Armstrong said. “When something like this happens, we take it very seriously. We’ve responded very quickly, very thoroughly. “

On behalf of the City of West Haven, Rossi extended her sincere thanks to the Center District Fire Department, the West Shore and Allingtown Fire Departments who assisted, Milford and New Haven Fire Departments who provided mutual aid, the West Haven Police Department, West Haven Emergency Services/911, the West Haven Department of Public Works, the West Haven Building Department, Matt Armstrong, the Haven Group, LLC, and the West Haven residents who reported the fire.

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