Crime

Southbridge fire that displaced 12 families was arson, fire officials say

Fire officials urge anyone with information to contact the Arson Watch Reward Program at 1-800-682-9229.

Firefighters respond to a fire on November 13 in Southbridge on Union Street. Southbridge Fire Department

December 5, 2024

1 minute to read

An investigation into the large Southbridge fire that displaced 12 families on Nov. 13 found it was intentionally set, officials said.

Now, the Department of Fire Services is asking for the public’s help to find the suspect, the organization said in a statement on Thursday.

The fire was first reported at 3:25 a.m. on Nov. 13, DFS said. According to the statement, the fire started at 5-7 Union St. and “quickly spread” to the building next door, at 9-11 Union St.

Firefighters responded to the blaze and observed “heavy fire,” the statement said. DFS said the company “immediately” brought in additional resources for help. The fire was under control by 6:15 a.m., according to DFS.

One firefighter was taken to UMass Memorial – Harrington Hospital to be treated for a hand injury, the statement said.

Southbridge Fire Chief Paul Normandin called the fire a “devastating loss” for the community in a statement released after the fire.

“At the same time, I want to emphasize the vital importance of working smoke alarms here,” Normandin said in the statement posted to Facebook. “This was a fast-moving fire in the dead of night. Without working smoke alarms alerting people to the danger, we would be having a very different conversation.”

DFS encouraged anyone with information on the incident to contact the Arson Watch Reward Hotline at 1-800-682-9229. The Arson Watch Reward Program offers rewards of up to $5,000 for information prevents arson, the statement said.