GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Great Barrington Police and State Police arrested Harry Sano, 85, Wednesday night for arson of a dwelling house, presenting a false insurance claim, and burning a building to defraud an insurer in connection with the Stockbridge Road fire.
"Though the building was vacant, the act of setting fire to any structure poses a life and safety hazard to civilians and firefighters alike," said Great Barrington Police Chief Paul Storti. "I'd like to thank the investigative team for working so hard to identify the facts and circumstances surrounding what we allege was a deliberately-set fire."
"Great Barrington firefighters battled heavy smoke coming from every area of the structure and flames in the basement, first floor, and second floor," said Fire Chief Charles Burger. "With mutual aid companies from Sheffield and Monterey, they did an outstanding job of preventing the fire from spreading to other nearby buildings and minimizing damage to the building itself."
The arrest came as part of a joint investigation by the Great Barrington Police Department, Great Barrington Fire Department, and members of the State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit assigned to the State Fire Marshal's office.
Sano was taken into custody Wednesday night in the course of the investigation. He was booked at the Great Barrington Police Department and released by the bail commissioner pending arraignment in Southern Berkshire District Court on Monday, July 26.
"Arson is an extremely serious offense, and we investigate it as such," said State Fire Marshal Ostroskey. "Fire doesn't do what it's told – it can burn faster and spread further than expected, claiming life and property without warning. We urge anyone with information on an arson fire to share it with investigators or contact the Arson Watch Reward Program at 1-800-682-9229."
The Arson Watch Reward Program provides rewards of up to $5,000 for information that helps to solve arson crimes. It is sponsored by the property and casualty insurance underwriting companies of Massachusetts.
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Celebrity Chef Feed Our Neighbors Event
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Christian Center in Pittsfield is set to host a gastronomic extravaganza like no other on May 6 from 3pm to 7pm.
The "Feed Our Neighbors" event promises an afternoon filled with delectable delights, lively music, and a spirit of community coming together to support a noble cause.
Renowned Celebrity Chef Chris Bonnivier, known for his culinary prowess and philanthropic spirit, spearheads this initiative to aid the local food pantry. With a heart as big as his flavors, Chef Bonnivier has rallied an impressive lineup of local eateries to join forces in the fight against hunger.
Guests can expect to indulge in a diverse array of culinary creations from beloved establishments such as Zuchini's, Fully Belly, Mazzeo's, Firehouse Cafe, KJ Nosh, Common Table, 413 Bistro, Uptown Smoke, Austin Riggs, Berkshire Catering Group, Porta Via, and more! From savory to sweet, there will be something to tantalize every palate. Haddad Subaru, will be providing a donation of their own as well as being onsite to volunteer, and raise money through some fun cornhole challenges! Subaru will also be collecting food at their East St location from now until May 5. Please stop in with your canned or dry goods.
Adding to the festive ambiance, Pittsfield's own musical sensation, Whiskey City, will provide the perfect backdrop of toe-tapping tunes, ensuring a lively atmosphere throughout the event.
But it's not just about food and music - "Feed Our Neighbors" will also feature exciting raffles, offering attendees the chance to win!
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