Firefighters investigating string of suspicious fires in Taunton

TAUNTON, Mass. — Police are investigating multiple suspicious fires that broke out overnight in Taunton.

Taunton officials aid five fires were set at three different locations between 11:30 p.m. Wednesday and 1:30 a.m. Thursday.

Four of the blazes occurred on the same street, beginning with a truck fire on Weir Street shortly before midnight. A short time later flames broke out in a bakery on Weir Street, followed by small fires outside two homes on that street and another on Leonard Court.

No one was injured in any of the fire, officials said, and investigators are trying to determine how the fires were set.

According to officials, the five fire locations were:

• Silver City Gas, 69 Weir St.
• Art's International Bakery II, 210 Weir St.
• 220 Weir St.
• 228 Weir St.
• 29 Leonard Court

Dave Procopio, a state police spokesperson, said a K-9 unit was sent to assist with the investigation into the suspected arsons.

One person was briefly detained by police but later released.

The Property and Casualty Insurance Companies of MA and RI, through their Arson Watch Reward Program, are offering a reward of up to $5,000 for anyone who can help investigators find the culprit.

The state fire marshal's office is assisting with the investigation.

Anyone with information about any of the fires or who may have noticed suspicious activity in the area of Weir Street or Leonard Court is urged to call Taunton Police at (508) 824-7522 or the Arson Hotline at 1-800-682-9229.

The Associated Press and WPRI contributed to this report.

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