The Department of Fire Services said Wednesday it is offering a reward for reports that state and municipal fire investigators suspect a July fire that destroyed a historic Reading home and barn was arson.
Reading Fire Chief Richard Nelson stated, “We believe this fire was intentionally started based on our investigation of the scene, witness interviews, and other evidence.” I want to make it obvious that this was a serious incident. After fighting the fire for more than 12 hours, numerous firemen were treated for heat exhaustion, two buildings were totally destroyed, and there were more than three alarms.
An off-duty firefighter reported the fire at 186 Summer Ave., a building that had a three-story, wood-framed, historic house and barn in the back, shortly after one in the morning on July 9.
When the Reading flames Department arrived, they saw a large amount of flames at the scene and hurried inside to put out the fire, according to the department.
In order to protect the surrounding residences, the firefighters had to leave because the circumstances inside grew intolerable and posed serious risks to staff. According to fire officials, the fire was contained by 2:00 p.m. the next day.
According to the department, the house was under construction and vacant when the tragedy occurred. According to reports, the fire did not injure any civilians.
According to the agency, twelve mutual aid communities helped with the reaction.
Reading Police Chief David Clark stated, “We’ve now reached a turning point after weeks of joint investigation with our local and state partners.” We think the public might know anything that could assist us advance the case.
According to the department, the cause of the incident has been deemed suspicious, but the facts and circumstances surrounding it are still being investigated.
According to fire officials, anonymous and confidential tips can be submitted to the Arson Watch Reward Program.
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State Fire Marshal Jon Davine said, “We are requesting that anyone who knows anything about this fire report it to the Arson Watch Reward Program at 1-800-682-9229.” Direct knowledge of the individual or people concerned may fall under this category. Observations of persons or cars on Summer Avenue or close to Parker Middle School in the late hours of July 8 and early July 9 may be included.
Information that solves, detects, or prevents arson crimes can earn rewards of up to $5,000 from the Massachusetts Property Insurance Underwriting Association.
