Taunton man held without bail in Fall River Superior Court in alleged arson of multi-unit residence

A local man faced a judge Friday in Fall River Superior Court after a Bristol County home went up in flames that he was a resident of.

According to Fire Chief Steven Lavigne and Police Chief Edward Walsh, at 7:11 a.m. on April 21st, a 911 caller reported a fire at 6 Grant St. The Taunton Fire Department deployed Engines 1, 4 and 5, Ladder 2 and Car 2.

Taunton Police Officers Brady Nichols and Jose Colon arrived first at about 7:14 a.m. and reported heavy smoke coming from the home’s second story. Taunton Fire crews arrived one minute later.

Arriving firefighters assisted Officers Nichols and Colon as they entered the burning home and helped three occupants exit safely. A TMLP worker also used a bucket truck to search for occupants (see below).

Fire crews launched an immediate attack on the flames, bringing the fire under control in about 35 minutes.

No injuries of residents or fire personnel were reported.

47-year-old Jeffrey Powers was arrested and charged with Attempted Murder and Arson as a result of the preliminary Taunton Police investigation.

Court records show that Powers was arraigned in Taunton District Court on a charge of Arson of a Dwelling. He pled not guilty and was held without bail pending a mental health hearing.

In June, Powers was ruled not competent to stand trial.

In Fall River Superior Court Friday, Powers pled not guilty and was held without bail.

A pretrial conference is scheduled for September 3rd.