NORTHAMPTON – Another fire has occurred in Ward 3, but officials say there is no evidence that connects this fire to the string of fires reported in the neighborhood last month.
But because of the geographic location, police and fire are considering all possibilities, according to an email sent to community members from Ward 3 City Councilor Ryan O’Donnell
O’Donnell said the Northampton fire and police departments responded to a report of smoke coming out of a Bates Street backyard Tuesday at 5:15 p.m. The fire was extinguished by snow by the time crews arrived at the scene.
No one was injured in the incident and no property was damaged, according to O’Donnell’s email, which quotes a police report on the incident.
Members of the Fire Investigation Unit responded and investigated the fire.
Several juveniles were found at the site of the fire and were interviewed, according to O’Donnell.
O’Donnell and public safety officials met with Ward 3 residents last week to discuss a string of six fires deemed suspicous in the area of King and North streets between March 12 and 21.
The neighborhood was also the site of a deadly arson spree in 2009.
Reached by phone Sunday, O’Donnell said he felt it was important to keep his constituents in the loop given the history of fires in Ward 3.
“What is called for is vigilance and common sense and caution,” he said. “Certainly not trying to be alarming, but the best way to go about this is to provide as much information as is available.”