Pittsfield Investigating Four Fires; One Individual Detained

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Firefighters spent Tuesday morning fighting a series of what appears to have been intentionally lit fires in the Morningside neighborhood.

 

Deputy Chief Daniel Garner released a report saying four fires were started in the early hours and that an individual has been detained by police.

 

The morning started with Engine 2 responding to a fire inside of the apartment building at 40 Perrine Ave. at about 2:30 and was quickly followed by two outside rubbish fires on the nearby Plunkett Street and a fully involved vehicle fire on Kellogg Street.

 

"All fires were brought under control quickly and there were no injuries," Garner wrote.

 

The first fire was in a common hallway of Perrine and Engine 2 "made quick work and ensured extinguishment." Engine 3 was subsequently dispatched to 76 Plunkett St. for an outside fire.

 

"They found household rubbish ablaze in front of the residence. Subsequently, they found a similar fire in front of 72 Plunkett as well," Garner wrote.

 

"An area search found a fully involved motor vehicle fire in close proximity to the residence of 41/43 Kellogg Street."

 

All of the engines, Tower 1, and a command vehicle responded to the vehicle fire. Garner also reports that state and Pittsfield police have detained an individual in connection to the fires.

 

Pittsfield Police say Jeffrey Benoit, 26, of Hinsdale was arrested and will be arraigned in district court Tuesday.

 

The Fire Department and the Police Department are both investigating the incidents.