Press Release  Reading and State Fire Investigators Believe Summer Avenue Fire Was Intentionally Set

READING — Reading Fire Chief Richard Nelson, Reading Police Chief David J. Clark, and State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine said today that they are investigating the July 9 fire at 186 Summer Ave. as suspicious and they are seeking the public’s assistance.

“Based on our examination of the scene, witness interviews, and other evidence, we believe this fire was intentionally set,” said Chief Nelson. “I want to be clear how serious this incident was. It went to three-plus alarms, two structures were completely destroyed, and several firefighters were treated for heat exhaustion after working for more than 12 hours to battle the flames.”

“This was a serious incident, and we are very fortunate that no one was injured. After weeks of joint investigation with our local and state partners, we’ve now reached a turning point,” said Chief Clark. “We believe members of the public may have information that could help us move the case forward.”

“We’re asking anyone with knowledge about this fire to share it through the Arson Watch Reward Program at 1-800-682-9229,” said State Fire Marshal Davine. “This could include direct knowledge about the person or persons involved. It could include observations of people or vehicles seen on Summer Ave or near the Parker Middle School late on July 8 into July 9.”

Reading public safety officials and the State Fire Marshal’s office said calls to the Arson Watch Reward Program are confidential and tipsters may remain anonymous if they prefer. The Arson Watch Reward Program is coordinated by the Massachusetts Property Insurance Underwriting Association and offers rewards of up to $5,000 for information that solves, detects, or prevents arson crimes.

An off-duty firefighter reported the fire just after 1:00 am on July 9. The Reading Fire Department responded to find heavy fire at the three-story, wood-framed, historic home and a barn in the rear. The home was unoccupied and under construction at the time, and no civilian injuries were reported. After rapidly assessing the scene, firefighters made entry to attack the fire. As conditions inside became untenable and posed grave hazards to personnel, they transitioned to an external attack to protect nearby homes and property. Firefighters finally brought it under control at about 2:00 the next afternoon.

Fire departments from 12 mutual aid communities provided assistance at the scene or covered Reading stations. The Department of Fire Services deployed a Rehab unit to support firefighter health and safety on the fireground. The facts and circumstances of the fire remain under investigation by the Reading Police Department Criminal Division, Reading Fire Department, and State Police Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office.

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