Press Release  Suspect Charged with Arson for Chicopee House Fire

CHICOPEE — A Chicopee woman has been charged with arson for allegedly setting the three-alarm fire that displaced a dozen residents early Sunday morning, said Chicopee Fire Chief Daniel Stamborski, Chicopee Police Chief Patrick Major, and State Fire Marshal Jon Davine.

MICHELLE HALL, 40, was arrested late Sunday for arson of a dwelling in the course of a joint investigation by State Police fire investigators assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office, the Chicopee Police Department, and the Chicopee Fire Department.

The Chicopee Fire Department responded to 26 Belcher Street shortly after 3:30 am on June 1 for a report of a residential structure fire. On arrival, they found the three-story, multi-family home well involved and immediately made entry to locate occupants and attack the fire. All residents were able to escape safely. Firefighters rescued two pets that morning; a third was rescued from the structure yesterday after neighbors reported seeing it in a third- floor window.

The fire went to three alarms and firefighters battled it for more than two hours before it was extinguished. The building sustained significant fire, smoke, and water damage.

Local and state fire investigators determined that the fire began in a second-floor bathroom. Based on evidence at the scene, witness interviews, and additional evidence, they determined that the fire had been intentionally set. Throughout the day, the ongoing investigation by Chicopee and State Police led to Hall, who had allegedly been involved in an altercation at the home prior to the fire. A warrant was issued for her arrest, and she was taken into custody Sunday evening. Her case will be prosecuted by the Hampden County District Attorney’s office.

###