| Arson
Investigation Underway
by Dan Sapir and Dennis Randall
(Tuesday, May 28 10:55 PM) Both
Fire and police sources have told the Observer that the
investigation of the Pottle Street fire is considered "very
active". The arson investigation was launched even before the
last traces of fire were extinguished.
Following is an emerging sequence
of events as affirmed by authorities and information received by
this newspaper:
| |
 |
2:45
Ballfield fence contractor Leo McRae said he called the
Police Department after seeing smoke where the Davis barn
was situated. McRae was at the rear portion of the fields
adjacent to the barn. (see related
story) Police Detective Richard Arruda said a call did
come in to the station at approximately that time. |
 |
|
3:00
According to fire log, the first and only call reporting a
fire at Pottle Street is received from a Summer Street
woman (Name withheld) -- Chief Jon Alberghini |
| |
|
3:01
The alarm sounds in station, call goes out over
fire-radio. |
| |
|
3:01+
The Observer received a call just after the alarm
went out on the scanner (Name withheld). |
| |
|
3:02
Fire equipment leaves Rt. 27 station for Pottle Street |
 |
|
3:02
Observer arrives on scene and begins taking
pictures. Twelve photos are shot in the next two minutes. |
|
3:02
- 3:04 Selectmen Richard Kenney and Town Administrator
Kevin Donovan arrive at fire after hearing report on
scanner. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3:04
Fire Chief Jon Alberghini arrives |
|
|
3:04
Kingston Ladder Truck begins to lay hose from Hilltop
hydrant. Ladder truck proceeds to scene of fire after
laying its entire supply of hose (it was not enough to
reach fire). |
|
|
3:05
Kingston Ladder Truck takes position between house and
barn in order to protect Davis home. |
|
|
3:07
Engine 1 (Duxbury) Arrives to assist in completing fire
line started by Kingston's Ladder Truck. |
|
|
3:10
Engine 2 (Kingston) arrives. Hose lines are connected but
water is not yet flowing. |
|
Fire
lines from hydrant to pumper are pressurized, hose line to
Ladder truck is not yet pressurized. |
|
|
3:20
full water pressure now established in order to knock down
fires in brush and trees threatening Davis home. Barn
completely leveled at this time. |
Several members of the Ballfield
Committee, Ted Alexiades and Gary Langenbach, were on site to
witness the destruction of the barn. Sharon Davis arrived in tears
after being called by her employer, Kingston Animal Hospital.
Davis is a staff veterinarian. Her husband was working a job on
Martha's Vineyard and could not immediately depart the island.
Sources have told the Observer
that photographs taken by two ballfield workers have been
processed and are not expected to be of much value to the
investigation being taken at too great a distance and after the
fire had been well established. Kingston Observer high resolution
digital photographs taken by staffer Dennis Randall were offered
and accepted by authorities.
Authorities said the fire started
at the rear of the building, on the second floor where accelerants
were used. Wood scrapings have been sent out to identify the type
of incendiary liquid used. A lab report was not available at this
date.
In other matters:
-Davis Meeting- Sources tell
the Observer that a meeting between Selectmen and the Davis Family
will be held as early as Tuesday of next week. Town Administrator
Kevin Donovan said such a meeting, when it does occur, will take
place in open session. "I can find no reason why such a
meeting, involving all sides, should occur in Executive
Session". Donovan also made note of the fact that he observed
no letup in field construction while the Davis property burned to
the ground. "I thought about it afterwards and was bothered
by it. You would think curiosity would have caused some
interest".
-No
Quorum For Ballfield Committee- In its first meeting
since the Pottle Street fire, the Ballfield Committee was unable
to attract a quorum. Chairman Ted Alexiades apologized to the
press stating "There won't be any fireworks tonight". He
was immediately chided by member Gary Langenbach who said
"bad choice of words". We agree.
-Our Comment-
What should be troubling to the community, is that one or more
arsonists remain at large. One of our Kingston Families has been
targeted, for reasons we fear to imagine. The events are being
discussed, whispered about and examined by many. That such fear
for personal safety has fallen upon one of our own is
disconcerting. We take heart that the Davis' remain resolute in
this dark moment, drawing strength from the kindness and support
of family and citizens.
Follow this website for information as it becomes available.
Anyone with information may call this newspaper at 781-585-0037
and leave a Voice Mail message. (No caller ID is employed). You
may also click here
to submit an anonymous tip. |
