Fire investigators are asking the general public to assist them remedy a hearth in an unoccupied church that’s below renovation — and are providing a reward of as much as $5,000 for info on who sparked the blaze.
Shortly earlier than 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday, an Arlington police officer noticed smoke close to the rectory of St. Athanasius Church on Appleton Street.
Arlington firefighters responded to the scene and located heavy smoke contained in the constructing, which was unoccupied whereas below renovation. They positioned a smoldering hearth within the basement of the constructing and rapidly extinguished it.
Now hearth officers are asking anybody with info on this hearth or the way it began. People can stay nameless.
“There are few fire incidents more concerning than those that affect houses of worship,” mentioned State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey. “We want the community to know that we take this fire, and any fire at a place of worship, seriously.”
Anyone with info on the fireplace, its origin, or people concerned is being urged to name the Arson Watch Reward Program Hotline at 1-800-682-9229. The Arson Watch Reward Program is operated by the Massachusetts Property Insurance Underwriters Association, and affords rewards of as much as $5,000 for info that solves or detects arson crimes.
Those with info also can contact the Arlington Police Department to talk with native investigators at 781-316-3910.
Source: www.bostonherald.com”