Retired Firefighter Living On Cape Cod Charged With Arson

BOURNE, MA – A former firefighter living on Cape Cod was responsible for a fire at an abandoned restaurant that injured two members of the Hanson Fire Department, according to the Plymouth District Attorney's office. Alfred Russo, 75, of Bourne, has been charged with one count of burning of a dwelling and two counts of arson causing injuries to a firefighter.

Authorities say Russo, who served as a Boston firefighter from 1969-1995 and retired as a member of the department's Marine Unit, set fire to the former JJ's Pub space on Liberty Street in Hanson July 5. The inside of the building was fully engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived shortly before 3 p.m., and the fire was given three alarms, according to the DA's office.

Two firefighters suffered heat exhaustion injuries at the scene. The building was deemed a "total loss," according to authorities.

Investigators believe the cause of the fire was "incendiary" and arrested Russo Wednesday afternoon. He pleaded not guilty and was released on personal recognizance and ordered to wear a GPS bracelet.

Russo is scheduled to appear in court again Oct. 5.

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