BRATTLEBORO — A Nov. 7 fire that caused extensive damage to four apartments at 16-38 Valgar St. has been determined to be suspicious in nature.
A joint statement on Nov. 11 from Fire Chief Michael Bucossi and Police Chief Michael Fitzgerald said that investigators from the Brattleboro Fire Department, Brattleboro Police Department, and Vermont State Police “have been working continuously since the morning of the fire to determine an origin and cause, and conducting interviews to gather information.”
As of press time, the investigation is ongoing.
The agencies are asking for anyone who may have seen anything unusual before the time of the fire, or who may have any information about the fire, to call the Brattleboro Police Department at 802-257-7946, or the Brattleboro Police Tips Hotline at 802-251-8188.
There is also up to a $5,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest and conviction by calling 800-32-ARSON (800-322-7766).
The four-alarm fire at the 12-unit multi-family dwelling was reported at 6:06 a.m. on Nov. 7 and displaced 45 residents. There were no injuries.
According to Bucossi, five of the apartments were re-occupied by Nov. 10 and work has begun to repair the other seven. The building is owned by the Spring Elliot Valgar Ltd Partnership.
SEVCA seeks help for displaced families
Local organizations are marshaling support for the families displaced by the fire. Southeastern Vermont Community Action (SEVCA) is now collecting donations from the public to provide assistance to these families.
According to SEVCA, some families lost everything in the fire - clothing, furniture, food, photos, and family keepsakes. They said donations will be used to help those displaced by the fire to meet their basic needs, secure alternative housing, acquire basic personal and household items, and begin to re-build their lives.
SEVCA is working closely with the owners of the building to coordinate services and support to affected residents.
Checks can be sent to SEVCA at 91 Buck Drive, Westminster, VT 05158, and online donations can be made by clicking the “Donate” button on SEVCA's home page, www.sevca.org. Please be sure to include a note that indicates the donation is intended for victims of the Valgar Street fire.
SEVCA is also compiling a list of items (furniture, clothing) that people may want to donate to help these families. Call 800-464-9951 for more information about donating.