Massachusetts Man Arrested in Connection to Setting a Series of Brush Fires
A man in Massachusetts was arrested this week in connection to setting off a series of brush fires in the state amid ongoing dry conditions.
The Arrest in Attleboro
During a traffic stop on Saturday, authorities apprehended a 72-year-old resident of Attleboro, Massachusetts, after a comprehensive investigation that utilized video surveillance. The incidents of arson occurred within his hometown, police said.
Attempts to reach the man for comment on Monday were unsuccessful, and it remains unclear if he has legal representation to address the allegations.
"Attleboro Police Detectives conducted an intense and extensive organization, which included collection of void surveillance, ultimately resulting in the arrest of 72-year-old Gerard Genest of Brown Street in South Attleboro," police said in a press release posted on social media.
The Brush Fires
The string of suspicious brush fires broke out last week across various locations in Attleboro, a city roughly 40 miles south of Boston, according to police. The fires targeted an Elks Lodge, a reservoir, a wastewater treatment facility and an animal shelter.
Police said in the press release that the fires "were believed to have been intentionally set."
Brush Fires Throughout Massachusetts and Nearby States
Massachusetts and much of the Northeast have faced a sharp rise in brush fires this autumn fueled by unusually dry conditions.
Earlier this month, states in New England have been warned of potential wildfire breakouts with Red Flag Warnings being issued across the region.
These Red Flag Warnings for fire have been given for all of Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts, as well as parts of Vermont and New Hampshire. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), Red Flag Warnings are given when there is either a currently ongoing wildfire or fire conditions are expected to occur in the next 24 hours.
"Elevated fire weather concerns continue across parts of the Northeast," the NWS said in a Short Range Public Discussion, forecasting "a very dry and breezy Northeast, prompting an additional few days of fire weather concerns."
"Conditions will remain ripe for developing wildfires through at least Saturday thanks to a stiff northwest breeze and low relative humidity, including major I-95 cities between Philadelphia and Boston."
Additionally, parts of Hawaii also have been issued Red Flag Warnings.
Red Flag Warnings encourage citizens to exercise caution and avoid activities that might ignite fires, such as campfires, smoking outdoors or using machinery that generates sparks.
This includes reporting from The Associated Press.
