Press Release  Investigators Seeking Public’s Help in Kingston Fire

KINGSTON — A fire early Sunday morning in a building under construction led to a complete structural collapse and spread to nearby brush, said Kingston Fire Chief Mark R. Douglass, Kingston Police Chief Brian Holmes, and State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine.

Local and state officials are asking for the public’s help as they investigate the fire at 123 Wapping Rd., which was first reported just after 1:30 am on Sunday, Nov. 17.

The Kingston Fire Department responded to find the two-story, wood-framed structure fully involved with nearby brush burning as well. The building, which was under construction for commercial use, sustained catastrophic damage and began to collapse shortly after firefighters arrived. The blaze sent large embers into the surrounding area, sparking brush fires around the building and across the street. Firefighters battled the fires for about three hours successfully containing the fires and keeping them from spreading to the surrounding wooded areas.

The origin and cause of the fire are being investigated by the Kingston Fire Department, Kingston Police Department, and State Police fire investigators assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office.

“This was a difficult and dangerous fire with the potential for much greater spread due to the ongoing drought conditions,” said Chief Douglass, Chief Holmes, and State Fire Marshal Davine. “We’re asking anyone with information on the cause to share it with investigators. You can remain anonymous if you prefer.”

The Arson Watch Reward Program offers rewards of up to $5,000 for information that detects or prevents arson crimes. The toll-free hotline can be reached 24 hours a day at 1-800-682-9229. Arson Watch is coordinated by the Massachusetts Property Insurance Underwriting Association.

Mutual aid companies from Plympton, Plymouth, and Pembroke supported the effort at the scene and provided station coverage.

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