City leaders pledge to catch arsonist

Firefighter's Union asks for more manpower

Updated: Friday, 23 Apr 2010, 11:48 AM EDT
Published : Friday, 23 Apr 2010, 5:55 AM EDT

• Anthony DiLorenzo

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The sense of security in the Liberty Heights neighborhood of Springfield was broken by a string of arson fires. Now Springfield city leaders are vowing any and all resources available to catch whoever may be responsible.

On Friday, Springfield Fire Department Dennis Leger told 22News it was found that no accelerants had been used to start the fires and that investigators are following solid leads.

The Springfield Firefighter's Union is calling for more manpower to ensure the safety of residents – they want the ladder staffed at all times and for the Arson Squad to be back in service full time.

David Wells, the Firefighter's Union President, told 22News he’s concerned there's not enough personnel staffed, which is effectively creating a danger to the public and to firefighters.

On Friday, Mayor Domecis Sarno restored the staffing of the Arson and Bomb Squad to 24 hours a day.

Wednesday night into Thursday morning six different structures in the Liberty Heights section of the city were torched by an arsonist, according to fire investigators. Many of the homes were vacant -- except for one garage on Newbury Street -- where fire claimed a former city firefighter's car.

Police have also stepped up their presence in the neighborhood and a $5,000 reward has been posted for anyone who may have information that could lead to an arrest.