Arson Suspected, Reward Doubled in St. Mary's Fire; Outdoor Mass Planned

Local fire is now a 'whodunit' as indicators point to arson and the State Fire Marshal's State Police investigation unit and the US Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) investigators are getting involved.

The fire that damaged St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Franklin yesterday evening is being investigated as arson, according to a news release from the office of the State Fire Marshal, and investigators are asking for the public’s help, said Franklin Fire Chief James G. McLaughlin, Franklin Police Chief Thomas J. Lynch, and State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine.

“Houses of worship play a vital role in every community, and our hearts go out to everyone who made St. Mary’s a part of their lives,” said Chief McLaughlin. “We’re deeply relieved that no one was injured and that firefighters were able to contain the fire damage.”

The Franklin Fire Department and Franklin Police responded to 1 Church Square at about 5:45 pm after a fire alarm activation and 9-1-1 call. On arrival, firefighters located a fire that they quickly knocked down. Heavy smoke conditions throughout the building required extensive ventilation.

The origin and cause of the fire are being investigated by the Franklin Fire Department, Franklin Police Department, State Police assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office, and ATF. Based on an examination of the scene, witness interviews, and other evidence gathered throughout last night and this morning, they collectively determined that the fire was intentionally set.

Matthew
O’Shaughnessy, Public
Information Officer for the ATF, said there are wide variety of situations where the bureau might get involved with an investigation, "but we take notice when possible arson involves a site such as a place of worship," he explained.

“We’re asking anyone with information on this fire to share it with investigators,” said State Fire Marshal Davine. “Call the Arson Watch Reward Program at 1-800-682-9229. Tipsters can remain anonymous if they wish.”

The Arson Watch Reward Program is coordinated by the Massachusetts Property Insurance Underwriting Association and offers rewards of up to $5,000 for information that detects or prevents arson crimes. Tthe ATF yesterday informed State Police fire investigators that they would match up to $5,000 in Arson Watch Reward Program funds in connection with the St. Mary’s fire, bringing the total reward to $10,000.

Jake Wark, Public Information Officer for the State Department of Fire Services said while state law puts the primary onus for fire investigations on the local departments, the Fire Marshal gets involved if the locals can’t determine a cause or anytime a local department believes they could benefit from assistance.
Wark said the office is involved in about 500 investigations a year, most of which are not suspicious in origin.
Wark said the things that make a fire suspicious vary widely but often derive from an understanding of how fire propagates.

The fire departments of Norfolk, Wrentham, Medway, Bellingham, and Plainville provided mutual aid at the scene on Wednesday. The Foxborough Fire Department provided station coverage.

Meanwhile, for St. Mary's, there is the practical matter of a parish adjusting to a big change as it appears the building may be out of commission for weeks.

For starters, the Sunday Mass this weekend will be outdoors, on the grounds of the old St. Mary's School. Attendees are asked to bring their own chairs!