Kids ignited massive fire that destroyed four buildings, Massachusetts officials say
Three youths are accused of igniting a massive fire that ripped through and destroyed four buildings, Massachusetts fire officials said.
Thick plumes of smoke and flames were seen rising from the burning buildings, which included an abandoned factory, in the town of Orange on Saturday, June 4, according to the Orange Fire Department.
Now, the three juveniles, ages 12 to 14, are facing “arson-related delinquency charges” after they were identified on June 6 following an investigation, a June 7 news release said.
The blaze injured two people who were treated at the scene, according to the Orange Fire Department, which didn’t say how the fire was started.
On the morning of June 4, dozens of nearby fire departments responded to the fiery scene, which “was equivalent to a six- or seven-alarm fire,” the release said. They worked through the night to extinguish the flames.
Photos shared by the fire department during the early hours of June 5 showed remnants of the ruined buildings and how firefighters were still working to combat hotspots.
“Juvenile firesetting is a serious issue that contributes to dozens of fires each year in Massachusetts,” the release said. “About half of these fires are started using smoking materials such as matches and lighters.”
More than 400 miles southwest, a child is accused of igniting a major fire that destroyed a playground in Maryland on June 5, one day after the fire in Orange, McClatchy News reported. The child is facing an arson charge after the blaze caused $75,000 of damage.
This story was originally published June 7, 2022 at 3:27 PM with the headline "Kids ignited massive fire that destroyed four buildings, Massachusetts officials say."
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