Press Release  Resident Charged with Arson for November House Fire

FRANKLIN — A former Franklin resident has been charged with setting fire to her Maple Street home late last year, said State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine and Franklin Fire Chief Charles Allen.

State Police fire investigators assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office arrested MELISSA BROWN, 48, yesterday with the assistance of the State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section. She was charged with arson of a dwelling in connection with the November 1, 2025, fire at 338 Maple Street.

Brown’s arrest followed a methodical investigation by the State Police Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office, which was supported by the Franklin Fire Department, Franklin Police Department, and State Police Crime Lab. She was arraigned yesterday in Wrentham District Court.

Neighbors reported smoke and flames at the single-family home at about 5:45 pm. The Franklin Fire Department responded to find heavy fire showing from the front and left sides of the 2 ½-story structure. One resident, identified as BROWN, had escaped and declined medical attention.

The fire extended from the first floor to the second and quickly went to two alarms. Firefighters were able to knock down the bulk of the fire quickly but found multiple hotspots and remained on scene for several hours conducting overhaul. The fire caused extensive damage throughout the home. Two cats were found deceased. No other injuries were reported.

The fire departments of Milford, Medway, Bellingham, Wrentham, Foxborough, Plainville, and Norfolk provided mutual aid at the scene.

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