Officials: Bonney Street fire in New Bedford intentionally set

New Bedford Fire Chief Scott Kruger and State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey said the January 27, 2021 fire at 124 Bonney Street in New Bedford was intentionally set.

“Anyone with information about this fire, or any fire in the state, is asked to confidentially call our office at 1-800-682-9229,” said State Fire Marshal Ostroskey.

The New Bedford Fire and Police Departments and State Police assigned to the Office of the State Fire Marshal jointly investigated the fire.

Kruger added, “There have been several major fires lately in our city besides this one but there is no connection between them. This is the only fire that was intentionally set. The improper disposal of smoking materials caused one. Several are still under investigation with the State Fire Marshal’s Office.”

Chief Kruger said, “January is often the month when we experience more fires from a variety of causes. As we head into the hardest part of the winter, we tax our heating and electrical systems and spend more time indoors. It is more important than ever to make sure you have working smoke alarms on every level that are less than 10-years old, and have a home escape plan.”