Fires At Arlington Rabbi's Home Were Arson: Fire Marshal

ARLINGTON, MA — Two fires at an Arlington rabbi's home and one at a synagogue in Needham were set intentionally, fire officials said Friday. Emergency crews were called to the Lake Street home around 9 p.m. Thursday. A police officer on patrol found "light flames" coming from one side of the house and used a handheld extinguisher to put the fire out, police said.

"Every arson fire causes fear and anxiety in the community, but one in a house of worship especially so," State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey said in a statement. "There are steps that houses of worship can take to protect themselves from both accidental and intentionally-set fires."

The first fire at Rabbi Avi Bukiet's home was reported Saturday, May 11 at 11 p.m. The rabbi holds religious services at his house.

Neither fire caused damaged to the inside of the home, according to police. The department has put a full-time detail officer on Lake Street.

"These are extremely concerning incidents in which an innocent family has had the safety and security of their home compromised by some else's violent actions," Chief Julie Flaherty said in a statement. "The Arlington Police Department will use every resource at its disposal to find the facts and ensure that any suspect or suspects are brought to face justice."

Police continue to search for a suspicious person seen leaving the area on Lake Street late Saturday evening. Surveillance footage was released from Saturday, however none is available from Thursday evening's fire.

Anyone with information on these fires is asked to contact the Arlington Police Department at 781-643-1212.

Previously: Fire At Home Of Arlington Rabbi Suspicious: Police