String of Taunton Fires Suspected Arson

TAUNTON — Fire Chief Timothy Bradshaw and Police Chief Edward Walsh report that the Taunton Fire and Police Departments and the State Fire Marshal's Office are investigating five fires that may have been intentionally set within the span of approximately two hours overnight.

The incidents remain under active investigation and police are seeking to identify the person or people responsible. Anyone with information about the fires or who may have noticed any suspicious activity in the area of Weir Street and Leonard Court is asked to call the Taunton Police Department at 508-824-7522 or the Arson Hotline at 1-800-682-9229.

The Property and Casualty Insurance Companies of MA and RI, through their Arson Watch Reward Program, are offering a reward of up to $5,000 for anyone who can help to solve the case or identify the person or people responsible for the fires.

No injuries have been reported in the fires.

The fires were set between approximately 11:20 p.m. Wednesday and 1:30 a.m. Thursday.

The locations of the fires were:
--Silver City Gas, 69 Weir St.
--Art's International Bakery II, 210 Weir St.
--220 Weir St.
--228 Weir St.
--29 Leonard Court

All five fires were able to be quickly knocked down and extinguished by the Taunton Fire Department.

Due to fire damage to the electrical system at 210 Weir St., four residents living in two apartments above the bakery have been displaced.

Taunton Police briefly detained a person of interest for questioning early Thursday morning and the person was subsequently released.

To avoid being a potential target of arson, Chief Bradshaw suggests that residents lock the doors and windows to their homes, use motion-sensor lights around the perimeter of your home and business and remove anything an arsonist could use as fuel for a fire.

--Taunton Police and Fire Departments