- Department of Fire Services
Media Contact
Jake Wark, Public Information Officer
HOLYOKE — UPDATE: State Police fire investigators assigned to the State Fire Marshal's office and Holyoke Police arrested a suspect in connection with these fires on the morning of November 6. He was charged with multiple fire-related offenses, as well as attempted murder.
Holyoke Fire Chief John Kadliewicz, Holyoke Police Chief Brian Keenan, and State Fire Marshal Jon Davine are asking for the public’s help as they investigate a series of outdoor fires over the past week, including one that involved an occupied tent.
“Any of these fires could have could have caused serious injury or worse in addition to the property they damaged,” said Chief Keenan. “Holyoke Police are committed to identifying the person responsible before this conduct escalates further, and we’re asking anyone with information on the fires to contact us right away. You can remain anonymous if you prefer.”
Tipsters can call the Arson Watch Reward Hotline at 800-682-9229. The Arson Watch Reward Program offers rewards of up to $5,000 for information that detects, prevents, or solves arson crimes, and all calls are confidential. The program is coordinated by the Massachusetts Property Insurance Underwriting Association.
“Anyone who was in the area of Race Street early Sunday morning or Maple Street early this morning may have information that could help us,” said Chief Kadliewicz. “You can remain anonymous if prefer. The important thing right now is to stop these fires before someone is hurt.”
The Holyoke Police Department, Holyoke Fire Department, and State Police investigators assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office are investigating three fires in the area of 268 and 298 Race Street, which were reported at around 5:45 Sunday morning. A dumpster, shed, and structure were damaged. Three additional fires were discovered shortly before 3:00 am on November 3 in the area of 109 and 145 Maple Street.
One of the Maple Street fires involved a tent in which a man was sleeping. This man reported that he woke when an adult male held a lighter to the tent, igniting it. He escaped without injury and the suspect fled.
“Fire doesn’t do what it’s told,” said State Fire Marshal Davine. “It doesn’t do what’s expected. Any unchecked fire could grow and spread to dangerous size. We believe these incidents are connected and we are urging anyone who saw something, heard something, or knows something to share that information with us.”
###
Media Contact
