Press Release
NORTHBRIDGE — Northbridge Fire Chief David M. White, Northbridge Police Chief Walter J. Warchol and State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey said the joint investigation into the March 23, 2020 fire at West End Firewood has found no signs it was intentionally-set. The fire was reported at 8:15 p.m. and ultimately consumed seven wood and metal buildings, several forklifts and logging trucks, and 700 cords of firewood. Damages are estimated at $1.3 million. There was one minor firefighter injury.
Investigators have found no signs of arson. Due to the extent of the damage and the need to use heavy equipment to fight the fire, they are unable to rule out a number of possible accidental causes, so the fire will remain officially undetermined. Some of the possible causes are: a spark from an acetylene torch or a welder, failure of a heat processing conveyor or a woodstove, an electrical malfunction, or the improper disposal of smoking materials.
Members of the Northbridge Fire and Police Departments and State Police assigned to the Office of the State Fire Marshal jointly investigated this fire. The Department of Fire Services’ Special Operations Unit drone was used to help document the fire scene.
