FAIRFIELD — Two individuals have been arrested and charged in connection with a fire that caused an estimated $400,000 in damage to a building in Heritage Square Plaza on Dec. 7.
Samuel Archer, 19, of Plymouth, Massachusetts, and Henry Hirsch, 20, of Ridgefield, were arrested on Feb. 2 and Feb. 3, respectively.
They have been charged with arson in the third degree and reckless endangerment in the second degree.
The Fairfield Police Department and Fairfield Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire at 1700 Post Road at approximately 4:27 p.m. on Dec. 7.
Upon arrival, first responders observed significant flames and worked to contain and extinguish the fire.
Fire department crews successfully evacuated the building and brought the flames under control, preventing further damage to surrounding properties.
No injuries were reported.
A joint investigation by the police and fire departments determined that the fire originated from the actions of Archer and Hirsch, who were intentionally attempting to ignite dry leaves within the building’s stairwell.
The leaves and other debris ignited, quickly escalating into a large fire.
Archer and Hirsch were released on $50,000 bonds each and are scheduled to appear at Bridgeport Superior Court on Feb. 10.
