A West Newbury teen is to be summonsed into court for allegedly setting small fires in a wooded area a week ago Sunday.
West Newbury Police Chief Jeffrey Durand and Fire Chief Michael Dwyer reported Friday that the 16-year-old youth is being charged with two felony charges of arson of property in Newburyport Juvenile Court. They said West Newbury Police and Fire Departments were sent to “several suspicious outside fires” in the Rivercrest Drive area of town. The fire chief noted drought conditions.
“This type of behavior can result in significant damage to neighboring homes and puts our community members at risk,” Dwyer said. He asked that parents and guardians discuss fire safety with their children.
Besides the West Newbury Fire and Police Departments, the investigation also involved the Massachusetts State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office and the Department of Fire Services Special Operations Unit.