Just after midnight Saturday, what came in as a routine dumpster fire call turned into a full-on car blaze at a Washington Street dealership in Attleboro, where two vehicles were found engulfed in flames. Fire crews quickly laid down firefighting foam to keep the flames from jumping to nearby cars and knocked the fire down before it could spread. No injuries were reported.
According to a press release from the Attleboro Fire Department, crews were dispatched at about 12:03 a.m. and remained on scene until approximately 1:18 a.m. The Attleboro Fire Investigation Unit was called in to comb through the charred vehicles, and officials said the dealership is cooperating with investigators. Capt. Nick Sheehan described the inquiry as "in its early stages" and said the blaze is being treated as suspicious. Any questions about possible criminal charges were directed to the Attleboro Police Department.
Quick response limited damage
Local outlets identified the lot as the Byrider South Attleboro dealership at 957 Washington Street and reported that crews relied on firefighting foam to keep the flames from spreading through the packed lot. District Chief Mike Maitland said there was potential for multiple additional vehicles to catch fire, and the department credited the fast work of firefighters with preventing a much bigger loss, according to the Attleboro Fire Department. WCVB reported that firefighters had the flames knocked down in roughly 10 minutes.
Investigation underway
The Attleboro Fire Investigation Unit is leading the probe, and Capt. Sheehan said the dealership is assisting as investigators work through the scene and review evidence. As reported by Boston 25 News, officials stressed that the investigation remains in its early stages and no additional details were immediately released. Authorities have not yet said whether the incident will be officially ruled arson, pending the outcome of the investigation.
Officials urge vigilance
In the wake of the blaze, officials urged residents and business owners to stay alert, particularly where dumpsters, trash bins, and exterior debris sit close to vehicles or buildings. Earlier this month, authorities in nearby Westborough had been looking into a string of suspicious outdoor and commercial fires, as reported by NBC Boston, and fire chiefs have said quick reporting can keep a small incident from becoming a multi-alarm problem. Anyone with video or information connected to the Attleboro fire is being urged to contact investigators.
How to report tips
Anyone who witnessed the fire or has surveillance footage from the area is asked to reach out to the Attleboro Police Department through its non-emergency line or online tip form. Contact details are listed on the department's website, and the non-emergency number is 508-222-1212, according to the Attleboro Police Department. Investigators said they will be reviewing video and taking witness statements as part of the ongoing probe.
The investigation is still active, and officials said more information will be released as it becomes available. We will update this report when authorities provide further details.
