$20K reward offered for info leading to arrest in Somerville fires

SOMERVILLE, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- Somerville officials are asking residents to remain vigilant after four cases of arson and five other suspicious fires in the city.

Mayor Joseph Curtatone and State Fire Marshal Stephen Coan held a press conference Friday to share an update on the 13 house fires that have taken place in Somerville since June 27. The most recent fire broke out Friday on Laurel Terrace and was immediately determined to be intentionally set.

Five other suspicious fires remain under investigation.

Investigators are offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to an arrest. An additional $5,000 reward is being offered by the Arson Watch Reward Program.

Residents are asked to contact police to report any suspicious behavior. Anyone who sees smoke or fire is asked to immediately call 911.

Tips can also be made to the newly created Somerville Arson Tip Hotline at 617-629-1847 or the statewide Arson Hotline at 1-800-682-9229.

Police and fire officials in Cambridge also asked their residents to remain vigilant Friday after two suspicious fires at residences in the Avon Hill area of the Peabody neighborhood. The first fire happened on Aug. 23 at about 6:15 a.m. on Bellevue Avenue, while the second occurred on Sept. 5 at 6:45 a.m. on Wyman Street. Anyone with information about the Cambridge fires is asked to call 617-349-3300.

Cox Media Group