Fire that destroyed former Fall River school intentionally set, 4 charged

FALL RIVER, MA – A fire in Fall River that destroyed a former school has been deemed to be intentionally set and has led to several being charged.

According to Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon, the Fall River Fire Department responded to a significant structure fire on March 1st at the old Silvia School on Hartwell Street. The fire was first reported shortly before 3:00 p.m. by passing motorists on Route 195.

Upon arrival, fire crews encountered heavy fire conditions and initiated an aggressive interior attack to knock down the flames. After approximately 30 to 40 minutes, all personnel were ordered to evacuate the building due to concerns about the structural integrity of the structure. Firefighters transitioned to a defensive operation, continuing to battle the fire from the exterior.

According to Lieutenant Matthew Mendes, there are four juvenile suspects, each faces charges of burning a public building, breaking and entering in the daytime with intent to commit a felony, vandalizing property, and trespassing. Their names were not released due to being juveniles.

The vacant building is expected to be knocked down.