State fire marshal confirms at least three Somerville fires were deliberately set

The city of Somerville today e-mailed residents:

The State Fire Marshal has now ruled that three of the nine fires that have occurred in Somerville this summer were intentionally set. Of the remaining six fires, three have been determined to be accidental and three remain under investigation. The City is continuing to work with state and federal officials to pursue any and all leads regarding these fires, and Somerville Police have increased regular patrols. City officials urge residents to remain vigilant, report any suspicious behavior to the Somerville Police and report any smoke or fire to 9-1-1 immediately.

The fire marshal's office and the city are is offering a reward of up to $15,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the fire starters.

Somerville has been hit with a series of fires this summer, several in the Porter Square area and several of which required firefighters from Somerville and surrounding communities to put out. Today's message does not specify which fires were suspicious.