Somerville: Are Fire-Engine Sirens Making You Jumpy?

The Boston Herald posted an article Friday titled, "Somerville calm as arson fears percolate in city."

The article suggests Somerville residents are concerned about the number of fires the city has seen this summer, but there's no panic.


There have been 12 major fires in Somerville since the end of June, and at least three of them were caused by arson, according to officials. Somerville Fire Chief Kevin Kelleher said there's been a lot of fire activity this summer, though not all of it is suspicious.

Four of this summer's fires were definitely accidental, but an additional five remain under investigation. As the Boston Herald article notes, "State and federal arson investigators are refusing to tip their hands" about the investigation and which of this summer's fires are considered arson. Doing so could tip off suspects.

So, I'm curious: Somerville residents, are you getting nervous about fires?

I know I recently upgraded a few smoke detectors last week. Have any of you done something similar? Do you get a bit jumpy when you hear sirens? Are you kept up at night?

I've received a few emails from folks, but I'm trying to gauge what the general sentiment is here in Somerville. If fires are on your mind, leave a comment below.