A late-night blaze at a commercial property on Brigham Street in Westborough charred mulch and shrubs and scorched part of the building’s exterior, and officials are now calling it a case of suspected arson. No injuries were reported, but the fire slots into a growing pattern of suspicious outdoor blazes that have been popping up around town in recent months. Investigators say several incidents, including earlier fires at the same Brigham Street address and in the Cottage Street area, are now under review as part of a broader probe.
Investigators Eye a Pattern Across Town
The Westborough Fire Department, Westborough Police and State Police assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office are jointly investigating the Brigham Street fire along with other recent suspicious blazes, according to NBC Boston. Officials say they are looking at a cluster of fires that appear to have been set outdoors or at unoccupied commercial properties while they work to determine whether the incidents are formally connected.
Local Chiefs Urge Residents to Stay Sharp
Fire Chief Patrick Purcell is asking residents to keep their eyes open, especially overnight, and to get first responders involved at the first sign of trouble. "First and foremost, we want residents to be alert to any suspicious activity and call 9-1-1 immediately for any fire," he said.
Police Chief Todd Minardi has also appealed to the public for help and stressed that people who come forward do not have to put their names on the line. He asked anyone with information to contact authorities and noted that callers can remain anonymous, in statements to Patch.
Reward on the Table and an Anonymous Tip Line
The Arson Watch Reward Program is offering up to $5,000 for information that helps prevent or solve arson-related crimes; the program’s Massachusetts hotline is 1-800-682-9229, according to the program’s website. The reward program, coordinated by the Massachusetts Property Insurance Underwriting Association, accepts anonymous tips and evaluates nominations for rewards as investigations move forward.
State Fire Investigators Back Local Departments
State Police detectives from the State Fire Marshal’s office routinely assist local fire and police departments in suspicious-fire investigations, bringing specialized personnel and resources to the scene. The State Fire Marshal’s office has handled similar multi-fire investigations in communities across Massachusetts in recent months, according to a Mass.gov release on recent probes.
No arrests have been announced, and the investigation remains active. Anyone with photos, video or knowledge of suspicious activity near Brigham Street or Cottage Street is asked to call the Arson Watch hotline at 1-800-682-9229 or contact Westborough Police.
