The Brattleboro Fire Department is now saying that the fire that displaced 45 people last weekend is suspicious, and the department is asking the public's help in tracking down who might have started it.
The four-alarm fire was reported early Saturday morning in a 12-unit affordable housing apartment in Brattleboro owned by the Windham and Windsor Housing Trust.
In a news release, Brattleboro Fire Chief Mike Bucossi said his department has been working with the Brattleboro Police Department and the Vermont State Police to investigate the cause of the blaze.
That investigation is ongoing, Bucossi said, and there is an award of up to $5,000 being offered for information that would lead to an arrest and conviction.
Families moved into five of the apartments Tuesday, but more work is needed on the other seven apartments in the building.
It will likely be at least six months before anyone can move back into the other units.
Anyone with information can call the Brattleboro Police Department at 802-257-7946 or the Brattleboro Police Tips Hotline at 802-251-8188.
Information can also be shared at 1-800-32-ARSON (1-800-322-7766).
