Central Mass. fire chief is on leave pending external investigation
Fitchburg Fire Chief Dante Suarez has been put on administrative leave pending an external investigation, according to Fitchburg Mayor Samantha Squailia.
Squailia did not reveal details about the investigation or when it began.
"As this is a personnel matter, we cannot discuss any further details at this time," Squailia wrote in an email.
With Suarez on leave, Assistant Chief Patrick Haverty was appointed as acting chief and will remain in the role pending the investigation's results.
Suarez is still listed as chief on the fire department's website .
The administrative leave comes as the fire department is investigating recent fires believed to be arson in the city.
Because the investigation is being conducted by the police department, State Fire Marshal's Office and Fitchburg Fire Prevention Director Captain Ryan Cringan, the chief's leave is not hampering the investigation, Squailia said.
Two fires occurred on Feb. 14 and 15 at a large apartment building with entrances on Blossom and Day Streets, according to the State Fire Marshal's Office. Fitchburg firefighters put out both fires before they could spread.
A third fire took place on Feb. 19 at a multi-family home at 164 Myrtle Ave. One person was left with non-life-threatening injuries, and seven people were displaced.
Fire investigators believe all three fires were set intentionally and an investigation was launched into the matter.
Fitchburg police and firefighters, as well as the State Fire Marshal's Office, are overseeing the investigation.
"Setting a fire isn't just property damage, it's a potentially deadly act that endangers families, neighbors and first responders," Fitchburg Police Chief Steven Giannini said in a press release. "I'm asking everyone in our community to stay alert and pay attention to anything unusual in your surroundings. If you see something that doesn't seem right, trust your instincts and report it."
A spokesperson for the Department of Fire Services said Monday the investigation is ongoing.
"All three fires are being investigated jointly by Fitchburg FD, Fitchburg PD and State Police fire investigators assigned to the State Fire Marshal's office," the spokesperson said. "Naturally we can't be specific while the investigations are open, but the determination that they were intentionally set is based on examinations of the three scenes, witness interviews and other evidence."
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