November 24: Ward 3 Community Meeting re: Fires



See also:

Gazette: “In Our Opinion: New fire, new unease” (11/14/09)
As they look for breakthroughs today, Northampton police would do well to repeat steps they took in 2007: canvassing the neighborhoods to urge people to keep their cars locked, their porch lights on and their trash secured. It makes sense, also, to post new fliers with a telephone tip line about neighborhood fires.

Also, two years ago, both the fire and police departments increased their visibility in the area. That may well have had an effect, since the frequency of fires dropped, until this year. We’d like to see them back out in the neighborhoods – sending a clear signal that criminal activity that puts so many lives at risk won’t be tolerated.

Gazette: “Neighbors help douse Northampton fire; officials investigate” (11/11/09)
The state fire marshal, local firefighters and police are investigating a fire that damaged the porch of an apartment building, causing an estimated $75,000 in damage at 11 Hancock St. early Tuesday…

Two vehicles parked on Hawley Street were destroyed by fire in separate incidents in May and August of this year. Two more were destroyed in late 2007.

Fire also destroyed two buildings, one on Hancock, the other on Hawley, in 2006 and 2007.

Gazette: “Cherry Street car blaze considered suspicious” (9/8/09)

Northamptonist: Arson Confirmed In Recent Rash Of Fires On Hawley St. (12/8/07)