Crime & Safety
Series Of Fires In Central MA City Being Investigated As Arson
Officials said they reached a point where they can confidently say that the fires were intentionally set.
FITCHBURG, MA — A series of recent fires in Fitchburg is being investigated as arson by local and state officials.
Two fires happened on Feb. 14 and Feb. 15 in a large apartment building with entrances at 43 Blossom St. and 40 Day St. The third fire took place about a half mile away at a multi-family home on Myrtle Avenue on Wednesday, but it was not believed to be connected to the other two fires, according to fire officials.
Following the fire on Myrtle Avenue, which went to two alarms, one person suffered non-life-threatening injuries, and seven people were displaced.
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The Fitchburg Fire and Police Departments and State Police assigned to the State Fire Marshal's office are conducting a joint investigation into all three fire incidents.
Officials said they reached a point where they can confidently say that the fires were intentionally set, but have not yet determined whether the fires on Blossom and Day Streets are related.
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“Setting a fire isn’t just property damage, it’s a potentially deadly act that endangers families, neighbors, and first responders," Fitchburg Police Chief Steven D. Giannini said in a statement. “I’m asking everyone in our community to stay alert and pay attention to anything unusual in your surroundings. If you see something that doesn’t seem right, trust your instincts and report it. If you have any information about these incidents, no matter how minor it may seem, please come forward. Even the smallest detail could make a difference.”
State and local fire officials are asking anyone with information on the fires to share it with the Arson Watch Reward Program at (1 800) 682-9229. All calls are confidential, and can remain anonymous.
The Arson Watch Reward Program, coordinated by the Massachusetts Property Insurance Underwriting Association, offers rewards of up to $5,000 for information that prevents, detects, or solves arson crimes.
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