Investigators Rule Reading Historic Home Blaze Arson, Offer $5,000 Reward

Massachusetts fire investigators have concluded that a July blaze that destroyed a 175-year-old house and adjacent barn in Reading was deliberately set, the Department of Fire Services said Wednesday. The fire at 186 Summer Avenue, reported by an off-duty firefighter shortly after 1 a.m. on July 9, escalated to a three-plus-alarm response and was not brought under control until about 2 p.m. The vacant, wood-framed home—built in 1848 and undergoing renovation—was gutted along with the detached barn. Fire Chief Richard Nelson said several firefighters were treated for heat exhaustion after more than 12 hours on scene, but no civilian injuries were reported. State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine and Police Chief David J. Clark urged anyone with information to contact the Arson Watch Reward Program at 1-800-682-9229. The program is offering up to $5,000 for tips that help identify those responsible.