CHICOPEE — A Chicopee woman has been charged with arson in connection with a three-alarm house fire that displaced 12 residents early Sunday morning, according to Chicopee Fire Chief Daniel Stamborski, Chicopee Police Chief Patrick Major, and State Fire Marshal Jon Davine.
Michelle Hall, 40, was arrested late Sunday for arson of a dwelling following a joint investigation by the state police assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office, the Chicopee Police Department, and the Chicopee Fire Department.
Firefighters from the Chicopee Fire Department responded to 26 Belcher Street shortly after 3:30 a.m. on June 1 after receiving reports of a residential structure fire, according to a statement from the Commonwealth’s Department of Fire Services. Upon arrival, they found the three-story, multi-family building fully involved in flames and immediately began rescue and fire suppression efforts. All residents escaped safely.
Two pets were rescued from the building during the fire, and a third was saved the following day after neighbors reported seeing it in a third-floor window.
The fire escalated to three alarms and was brought under control after more than two hours. The structure sustained heavy fire, smoke, and water damage.
An investigation determined that the fire began in a second-floor bathroom and was intentionally set. Officials said Hall had allegedly been involved in an altercation at the home prior to the fire. Based on physical evidence, witness interviews, and other findings, investigators identified her as a suspect, the Department of Fire Services reported. A warrant was issued for her arrest, and she was taken into custody Sunday evening.
The case is being prosecuted by the Hampden County District Attorney’s Office.
