City Woman Arrested for Arson Following Three-Alarm Fire
CHICOPEE — A 40-year-old local woman, Michelle Hall, has been charged with arson after a three-alarm fire severely damaged a multi-family apartment building on Belcher Street, displacing a dozen residents. The incident unfolded early Sunday morning, with firefighters receiving the call around 3:30 a.m.
According to the state Department of Fire Services, the blaze originated in a second-floor bathroom. Investigators, having conducted interviews with witnesses and examined evidence, concluded that the fire was intentionally set. Hall’s alleged involvement in a prior altercation at the residence raised suspicions leading to her arrest later that evening. She is set to be prosecuted by the Hampden District Attorney’s office.
Firefighters worked diligently for over two hours to bring the fire under control, successfully evacuating all residents without any injuries reported. Additionally, two pets were rescued from the scene, with a third pet found on Monday after neighbors reported it trapped in a third-floor window.
The building suffered extensive damage from fire, smoke, and water, impacting the living conditions of all those displaced. In response to the emergency, the Red Cross of Central-Western Massachusetts has stepped in to provide assistance to the affected residents.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire, as the community reels from the incident. The rapid response from the Chicopee Fire Department ensured the safety of the residents, showcasing their commitment to public safety in the wake of such a devastating event.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
