State, Waltham Officials Launch Arson Investigation Into Fernald Fires

WALTHAM, MA — There have been two fires at the former Fernald School campus this month. Officials have said both are suspicious, and this week announced official investigations into both.

The two most recent fires are being investigated as arson, and may be related to fires in January 2025 and December 2024, said Waltham Fire Chief Andrew Mullin, Waltham Police Chief Kevin O’Connell and State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine.

“We are asking anyone with information on recent fires on the Fernald grounds to share it with investigators,” said Chief O’Connell. “There have been four fires in that area since December. These incidents are dangerous, and we’re deeply concerned that someone is going to be hurt.”

Officials asked anyone with information on recent fires at the site of the former Walter E. Fernald State School to share it with investigators by calling the Arson Watch Reward Hotline at 1-800-682-9229.

The Arson Watch Reward Program is coordinated by the Massachusetts Property Insurance Underwriting Association and offers rewards of up to $5,000 for information that solves, detects, or prevents arson crimes, officials said.

Early on the morning of April 19, the Waltham Fire Department responded to 200 Trapelo Rd. for a reported fire. On arrival, they found heavy fire in two structures – one known as the Schoolhouse/Gym and the other the Manual Training Building.

The incident went to four alarms, drawing mutual aid companies from several nearby departments. Firefighters battled the flames for more than six hours before they were finally extinguished, officials said.

Based on an examination of fire damage at both structures, investigators from the Waltham Fire Department, Waltham Police Department and State Police Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office believe the fires were set intentionally and separately.

“These buildings were vacant, but any structure fire is inherently dangerous,” said Mullin. “Firefighters confronted heavy smoke and flames venting out the windows. They were present when the roof of one building collapsed and the first floor of another collapsed into the basement. First responders, curious onlookers, and even the person or persons responsible could have been injured or worse.”

Investigators believe the April 19 fires could be related to two others on the Fernald grounds in recent months. One was reported in the early evening of Dec. 14, 2024, at the Chapel of the Holy Innocents, causing minor damage. The other was reported in the late morning of Jan. 18, at Chipman Hall, causing catastrophic damage that included a roof collapse. Like the April 19 fires, both of these fires took place on Saturdays.

“If you were in the area of the Fernald School on these dates and saw anything suspicious, or if you have specific information on the person or persons responsible, please share it with investigators at 1-800-682-9229,” said State Fire Marshal Davine. “You can remain anonymous if you prefer. What’s most important right now is that these fires stop before someone gets hurt.”