Firefighters in Reading have been battling more than just flames following the suspicious blaze that erupted at 186 Summer Ave. early last month. Authorities have now confirmed their belief that the fire, which consumed two structures and taxed emergency responders to their limits, was set deliberately. "Based on our examination of the scene, witness interviews, and other evidence, we believe this fire was intentionally set," Reading Fire Chief Richard Nelson said in a recent briefing, according to an article from mass.gov.
While no injuries were reported, the incident quickly escalated to a three-plus alarm fire, causing extensive damage and leaving several firefighters in need of treatment for heat exhaustion after a grueling 12-hour fight to suppress the inferno. "This was a serious incident, and we are very fortunate that no one was injured," Reading Police Chief David J. Clark commented. As the investigation, which spans weeks, reaches a key juncture, Reading officials and the State Fire Marshal's office are actively soliciting tips from the public.
State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine has urged anyone with information to step forward and assist law enforcement by contacting the Arson Watch Reward Program. The program, Davine told reports, ensures confidentiality for those who prefer to remain anonymous, providing up to $5,000 in rewards for details that help to solve, detect, or prevent arson. Observations on the night of July 8 going into July 9, particularly concerning suspicious individuals or vehicles around Summer Ave or near Parker Middle School, could prove vital in the ongoing case.
The initial report of the fire arrived just after 1:00 am on July 9 by an off-duty firefighter. The Reading Fire Department's rapid response was met with an unoccupied and historic house ablaze, alongside a barn. Interior conditions swiftly turned untenable, forcing a retreat to an external firefighting strategy aimed to head off the potential spread to nearby homes. It took firefighters, with the aid of departments from 12 neighboring communities, until roughly 2:00 the next afternoon to bring the blaze under control.
The Department of Fire Services also dispatched a Rehabilitation unit for the health and safety of fireground personnel amidst this taxing scenario. Inquiries into the exact cause and motivation behind the fire continue, involving the cooperative efforts of the Reading Police Department Criminal Division, the local fire department, and the State Police Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit attached to the State Fire Marshal's office. Details will be provided as the situation unfolds and the investigation progresses.
