REVERE, MASS. (WHDH) - Investigators now believe a two-alarm fire in a Revere apartment building over the weekend was intentionally set, state and local officials said Tuesday.
The fire drew emergency crews to the scene on Park Avenue shortly before 6 p.m. Sunday. Two people were ultimately rescued and taken to a hospital, according to a joint statement from Revere’s fire chief, the city’s police chief and the state fire marshal. Officials said the fire displaced dozens of other people.
Images on Sunday showed firefighters reaching one woman and guiding her to safety during their fire response. In their update Tuesday afternoon, officials said investigators determined the fire was intentionally set after examining the scene, interviewing witnesses and reviewing other evidence.
“This incident could have caused a devastating tragedy,” said Revere Fire Chief Christopher Bright.
Officials said investigators returned to the scene of the fire on Monday and posted flyers seeking information.
Bright in his comments asked anyone with information to share it with investigators by calling the Arson Watch Reward Program at 1-800-682-9229. Individuals sharing information can remain anonymous, if needed.
Coordinated by the state Property Insurance Underwriting Association, the Arson Watch Reward Program offers rewards of up to $5,000 “for information that detects or prevents arson crimes,” as described in Tuesday’s joint statement from officials.
While investigators continued their work, building resident Ariel Carrero on Tuesday said he and his father had already been living out of their car for two days.
“It’s horrible,” he said. “It really is.”
Carrero said the fire moved fast and expressed his gratitude for the emergency response.
“Thankfully they got everybody out the door,” the man said. “Thank God the fire department is right across the street.”
Even with the response, photos inside the building showed severe smoke and water damage, with units and hallways destroyed.
Some residents displaced by this fire received help from the Red Cross and stayed at a nearby school and hotel. Residents later spoke about their experience.
“It was hard because we didn’t know what to do,” said Lucas Santos.
“So, what happens after that?” asked Marilyn Carrero, whose father was displaced. “That’s great, you came in for one night, but what about afterwards? You provided help for one night.”
While some residents have since been able to move back into their apartments, Ariel Carrero said fourth floor residents were told they can’t return home.
“The whole fourth floor is condemned,” he said. “They said that no one can live on the fourth floor for a while.”
Now moving forward, the knowledge on Tuesday that someone may have done this on purpose was devastating for those scrambling to figure out where they will be sleeping next.
“I think I’m just absolutely floored,” said Marilyn Carrero. “I just really don’t really have much to say except ‘Wow.’”
“You can see, there’s cameras all over the building,” said Ariel. “They’re going to find the person who did it.”
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