Connection?
MacDonald said there were $65,000 in damages at yesterday’s blaze but indicated it was too early in the
investigation to connect the fires to some of those set in the past.
Published 21:38, April the 29th, 2009
Jamaica Plain hit by 5th arson since Dec.
Blaze at auto shop resembles other recent area fires
Arsonists have struck again in Jamaica Plain, intentionally setting ablaze an auto body shop near Hyde Square early yesterday morning.
Firefighters responded to Jamaica Plain Auto Body on Rock Hill Road just before 4 a.m. to find two garages on fire, one of which serves as the shop’s office. The blazes were distinctly set in front of the garage doors, spreading to three cars inside.
Boston Fire Department spokesman Steve MacDonald confirmed the cause of the fires as arson. Shop owner Matthew Hayes knew the moment he arrived to see piles of tires in front of each blaze with rags stuffed inside and a lingering odor of gasoline.
The method of ignition is similar to other recent fires set in Jamaica Plain.
“It’s a shame,” said Hayes, who will reopen within days. “Nobody wins. Whoever did it, it’s just another notch in their belt.”
In January, arsonists hit a hair salon on Centre Street that had already been intentionally burned in two prior locations.
Also this winter, arson was ruled in two blazes at a condo on Sigourney Street and another at a School Street home.
Several Jamaica Plain businesses were burned by arson in 2005 and 2006, including the first fire at the hair salon and a Cuban restaurant located near the auto body shop.