Haverhilll Police say that four juveniles have been arrested today for setting the Sunday evening mill fire at 30 Stevens Street in Haverhill. The fire started around 5 p.m. and quickly grew in the abandoned mill to 7-alarms. Firefighters from around the region provided mutual aid to the Haverhill Fire Department and spent the entire night putting out hot spots. The building is a total loss.
The four juveniles, aged 14, 15, 15, and 16 are being charged with burning of a building and will be arraigned in Lawrence District Court.
State Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan said, “This case has come to a swift and successful conclusion because of good old-fashioned police work among a number of agencies and importantly, assistance from the community.”
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Interim Haverhill Fire Chief Parow said, “Fighting fires in these vacant mills are extremely dangerous. Without sprinklers to control these fires, they get a huge head start and are fueled by oils that have soaked into the floor boards for decades.”
Haverhill Police Detective Captain Robert Pistone stated “The Haverhill Police Department is very grateful and proud of the dedicated men and women from the various law enforcement and fire agencies that acted as a cohesive team in solving this complex case.”
The fire was investigated by members of the Haverhill Fire and Police Departments, State Police assigned to the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The case will be prosecuted by Essex District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett’s office. A state Hazardous Material team responded to monitor air quality and water run-off from suppression efforts. Questions should be directed to the Essex District Attorney’s Office.