Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Pittsfield Fire Chief rules early morning 3-alarm fire as arson, reward offered






By WRGB STAFF Monday, July 18th 2016


UPDATE - 6:00PM - Fire officials are working with the state Marshall to try to find who started the fire that led to the evacuation of nearby homes.

There is a sign posted on the home offering a $5,000 reward for anyone who knows who is responsible. Call the Arson Watch Reward Program at 1-800-682-9229.

The call came just after 3:30 Monday morning. Pittsfield chief Robert Czerwinski says when they arrived there was already heavy fire on the front porch, the same place where dogs alerted officials of possible accelerants.

"The dog hit a number of spots where there were accelerants in place. So we are pretty confident it was a set fire," said Chief Czerwinski.

He also says firefighters, inside at one point, made it out just in time.

"No sooner those crews came out, the front porch collapsed and the fire started venting itself out the attic windows," Czerwinski said.

The chief said everyone is okay, though a few firefighters have minor injuries.

It's believed two people lived in the duplex, that the other side was vacant. The chief says the house is destroyed and needs to be demolished.

UPDATE: Pittsfield Fire Chief confirms with CBS6 that this fire has been ruled an arson with the assistance of fire investigators with dogs.

UPDATE 5:54AM -- The Pittsfield Fire Department tell us the fire at 13 Robbins Ave is under control. Damage to the structure was through the roof. Crews remain on scene putting out hot spots. No cause has been determined at this time.