Arsons Leave Massachusetts Town on Edge

WEST DENNIS, Mass. -- Local officials and the state fire marshal's office continue to investigate two arson cases that have rattled the nerves of residents in a West Dennis neighborhood.

"Everybody's been on pins and needles," said Robert Beaulieu, of 33 Church St., whose garage sustained more than $50,000 worth of damage during a deliberately set blaze on Saturday night.

People are wondering, "Will something else happen?" he said.

About a quarter of a mile down the street, right after Church Street turns into Aunt Julia's Road, a garage containing a car, furniture and ammunition was destroyed in an arson blaze Feb. 2. Damage was estimated at more than $100,000.

The family that owns the 16 Aunt Julia's Road property does not reside there full time, neighbors said.

But Beaulieu's garage-barn is located just about 10 feet from his 136-year-old house, which he shares with several tenants.

"There were two people in the house" when fire broke at 7:30 p.m., Dennis Deputy Fire Chief Bob Tucker said. Temperatures were in the 30s and a strong wind was blowing.

Could have been worse

"If we didn't get the fire when we did, it would have been a big problem," Tucker said.

A tenant alerted Beaulieu to the fire after smelling smoke. By then a neighbor from across the street already had called 911, Beaulieu said.

Most of the damage was confined to the second floor of his garage, where antique furniture he collects was destroyed, Beaulieu said. "There's nothing left of it."

Two cars in the garage sustained smoke and water damage but are salvageable, he said.

Tucker could not say if the two arson fires were related.

But having two fires determined to be arson less than a month apart has worried residents of the historic neighborhood near Bass River where quaint Cape-style houses occupy lots next to Victorian manses.

"One man is putting an alarm on his garage," Beaulieu said. "He's very concerned. He's got antique cars."

Beaulieu said he noticed another neighbor is keeping her backyard spotlight on all night.

The fires have been the talk of West Dennis, said Chris Ellis, owner of Jewelry Inspirations. He said people are hoping they are not part of a pattern.

Agencies join probe

The fires are being investigated by the Dennis police and fire departments with the state police assigned to the state fire marshal's office.

"They are looking for information from the public," said Jennifer Mieth, spokeswoman for the state fire marshal's office.

The Arson Watch Reward Program is offering up to $5,000 for information leading to the prosecution of those responsible.

McClatchy-Tribune News Service