Two Dead in Night of Fires in Northampton

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By Doug Lezette

Story Published: Dec 27, 2009 at 11:18 AM EDT

Story Updated: Dec 28, 2009 at 1:34 AM EDT

Fire officials say an arsonist set as many as 11 fires overnight in Northampton, resulting in two deaths. The fires destroyed homes and vehicles.

The fires started around 2:00 a.m. and were set over a period of about an hour. Fire departments from across Hampshire County and even Springfield rushed to Northampton to help city firefighters battle the simultaneous blazes.

The deaths occured at a house on Fair Street which was consumed by fire. Preliminary information indicates that four structures, four vehicles, and three smaller fires were set.

Northampton fire officials met with neighbors in November after a string of fires that caused property damage. In late 2007, the city also logged several vehicle fires that were believed to be the work of an arsonist.
See related content for our coverage of the 2007 fires.

If you have photos or video of any of the 11 overnight fires, please email them to news@cbs3springfield.com.

If you have any information regarding the fires, call Northampton Public Safety at (413) 587-1100.

CBS 3 Springfield News will have more Sunday night at 11 p.m. and here at cbs3springfield.com.

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noho said on Monday, Dec 28 at 10:19 AM

Yeah, Ms N, I hope that you may be blessed with some clarity in the New Year. Well stated, Catch! I agree.

Jake said on Monday, Dec 28 at 10:12 AM

arsonist are not the only "crazy" people out and about

Catch said on Monday, Dec 28 at 9:55 AM

Are you serious Ms.N - those police and firefighters risked their lives Saturday trying to SAVE people and their homes! Do you really believe they checked to see if the families sound alseep were Latino or Black. PLEASE!

ELres said on Monday, Dec 28 at 9:08 AM

That's an outrageous statement. A family I know well lives in that area. Not just minorities live there and minorities have lots of opportunities to live and work in Noho without prejudice. It's not called the Happy Valley for nothing.

Ms. N said on Sunday, Dec 27 at 11:22 PM

I don't believe for 1 min. no one saw, especially police, suspicious person(s) setting 11 houses on fire, 1/2 mile apart, w/i an hour. Don't take your eyes off of "authority figures" in this town. How many Latinos and African Americans were tenants? This confirms the predjudice against anyone different here/ Not just people of color but disabled, and anyone not from here unless they are wealthy. Victims unite and don't let any official types dismiss you. Stand together. God bless you w/ renewal.

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