Press Release  Newton and State Police Investigating Suspicious ATV Fire

NEWTON — Local and state investigators believe the fire that consumed an all-terrain vehicle in Newton recently was intentionally set, said Newton Fire Chief Gregory J. Gentile, Newton Police Acting Chief George McMains, and State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine.

The Newton Fire Department responded to the area of 85 Dudley Rd. in the City’s Thompsonville neighborhood following 9-1-1 calls at about 5:30 p.m. on the evening of Saturday, June 1. On arrival, they observed an all-terrain vehicle completely consumed by fire. The vehicle, which was parked in a secluded area on private property near a trail, was later determined to be a Polaris 900 UTV.

The origin and cause of the fire were investigated jointly by the Newton Fire Department, Newton Police Department, and State Police assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office. Based on witness interviews and evidence at the scene, they believe the fire was intentionally set and are asking for the public’s help with their investigation.

“We’re asking anyone who has information on this fire or was present in the area of Dudley Road late Saturday afternoon to contact the Arson Watch Reward Program at 1-800-682-9229,” said Acting Police Chief McMains. “You can remain anonymous if you prefer.”

“Setting a fire is a dangerous and harmful action,” said Fire Chief Gentile. “Fire doesn’t do what it’s told, and it could easily have spread beyond the vehicle to hurt someone – or much worse.”

The Arson Watch Reward Program is coordinated by the Massachusetts Property Insurance Underwriting Association, State Fire Marshal Davine said. It offers rewards of up to $5,000 for information that prevents or detects arson crimes.

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