Residents of western Mass. city meet to discuss safety after string of suspicious fires
Associated Press
12/29/09 9:24 PM PST
NORTHAMPTON, MASS. — Residents of a western Massachusetts city are discussing how they can improve their safety after a string of suspicious weekend fires, including one in which two people died.
At least nine fires were reported early Sunday in houses and cars within a half-mile radius in the college town of Northampton. Authorities say they suspect arson.
Hundreds of people met with local officials Tuesday night and discussed plans to set up a neighborhood watch program, solicit donations to help victims and encourage a fundraising effort to boost a $5,000 state reward for information leading to an arrest.
Residents say they're angry and shocked by the fires, but aren't frightened enough to move away.
Fire officials in Worcester (WUS'-tur) say they're also investigating a series of suspected arsons.
