Press Release  Suspect Charged in Connection with Peppercorn Trail Fires

UPTON — A Milford man was arrested last week for allegedly setting one of several recent illegal fires along the Peppercorn Trail, said Upton Fire Chief Michael Marchand, Upton Police Chief Nicholas Palmieri, and State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine.

CAMERON GRIFFIN, 28, was apprehended on the night of January 22 at the scene of an outdoor fire near the Peppercorn Hill parking area along Crockett Road. He was charged with unlawful burning, disorderly conduct, and disturbing the peace in connection with the fire. He was additionally charged with child endangerment in light of a child who was in his vehicle at the time of the incident.

An off-duty Upton firefighter saw the blaze in its early stages after being alerted by his wife and drove from his nearby home to the scene. The firefighter positioned his vehicle to block Griffin’s escape and remained on scene until Upton Police arrived and took him into custody.

Upton Fire Chief Michael Marchand identified the firefighter as Firefighter/EMT Matthew Kerr.

“Matt didn’t hesitate to respond to what could have grown to a significant brush fire,” said Chief Marchand. “Once at the scene, his decisive action helped Upton Police take the suspect into custody and likely end this spree of incendiary fires. On behalf of the Upton Fire Department and our brothers and sisters at Milford Fire, I want to recognize his efforts to protect public safety in our community.”

Thursday’s fire was one of several in the area since last summer, with at least five reported between July 25 and July 26, 2025, and another on January 13, 2026. These fires are being investigated by the Upton and Milford police and fire departments, the Department of Conservation & Recreation, and the State Police Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office. Investigators plan to seek additional charges in connection with these incidents, all of which took place in the Peppercorn Hill Conservation Area.

“Upton Police and our law enforcement partners in Milford take great satisfaction in this arrest,” said Chief Palmieri. “Any fire can be dangerous, but especially one in an outdoor setting frequented by residents and visitors who deserve to enjoy our natural resources.”

“The 2024 Massachusetts wildfires showed all of us just how quickly an outdoor fire can spread,” said State Fire Marshal Davine. “Intentionally setting a fire in a wooded area is courting disaster, and this arrest demonstrates that it will have consequences.”

###