State Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan and Upton Fire Chief Ron Goodale said that the October 4, 2015 fire at 149 Main Street Upton remains undetermined and under investigation. The two causes that investigators cannot rule out without additional information are: electrical or arson. If anyone in the community has information that could be helpful, they are encouraged to call the statewide Arson Hotline at 1-800-682-9229 or the Upton Police Department. Again, no cause has yet been determined but the Arson Hotline is a toll-free number to reach the State Police Fire Investigation Section confidentially, 24-hours a day.
The building had a variety of uses dating back to 1780. It was used as a carriage shed, a window shop, a hat shop and most recently as an apartment building, but had not been occupied for several years. The fire began in a loading dock area at the rear of the building.
The fire is being jointly investigated by the Upton Fire and Police Departments and State Police assigned to the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
The Arson Hotline is part of the Arson Watch Reward Program, funded by the property and casualty insurance underwriting companies in Massachusetts. The Arson Watch Reward Program provides rewards of up to $5,000 for information that helps to solve cases.
UPTON DAILY 