WORCESTER, Mass. --
A fire in Worcester Saturday night that displaced more than a dozen people was being considered arson, according to fire officials.
The fire at 50 Lafayette Street broke out at 11:31 p.m. in the city’s Green Island neighborhood.
“I saw the fire trucks out here and I checked the side of the house because I looked off my porch and I made sure our house wasn’t going up too,” said neighbor Bobby Labrash.
Worcester Fire Capt. William Metterville said firefighters smelled gasoline when they arrived to the four-family home.
All fourteen tenants, including three children, were safely evacuated. No injuries were reported.
After the fire was brought under control, Metterville said a K-9 dog was brought in for the investigation. Fire officials said the dog was able to sniff out gasoline in several parts of the building.
Authorities believe the fire was intentionally set.
“Someone who goes into a building, pours gasoline and lights it on fire -- knowing that people are living in there, sleeping in there -- should be charged with attempted murder, said Metterville”
The residents, who live on the building’s second floor, were being assisted by the Red Cross with a temporary place to stay.
Fire officials estimate the damage at about $300,000.
Anyone with information about the fire were being urged to call 800-682-9229 or the Worcester Police Detective Bureau at 508-799-8651.
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