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Reward Offered After Somerville Arson Fires

SOMERVILLE (CBS) - Officials are offering a reward of up to $15,000 as federal, state, and Somerville investigators try to hunt down the arsonist who's been burning buildings in the city this summer.

There were nine significant fires in Somerville between June 27th and August 18th. While three of them were deemed accidental, three others were ruled arson. Three more are still being investigated as "suspicious," says Mayor Joseph Curtatone. "We'll spare no expense to bring to justice any person or persons involved with causing these fires."

State Fire Marshall Stephen Coan says he can't say which fires are the work of an arsonist. "It would be too close to the investigation to speak specifically to them. At this time they're all being investigated as separate fires, and we're not prepared to release information that may or may not link them." Officials did say that recent fires on Belmont and Banks Streets, and College Avenue were not among those considered suspicious.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Kim Tunnicliffe reports

Reward Offered After Somerville Arsons

Officials are asking residents to be observant, report suspicious activity, remove stuffed furniture from porches, and check smoke alarms.

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