Boston Police Investigate Multiple Trash Barrel Fires

Boston, September 23, 2025

News Summary

Boston police are investigating a series of trash barrel fires that occurred in the city, prompting a search for a person of interest. The first incident took place on Boston Common, with three trash cans ignited behind the Boylston Green Line stop. Shortly after, five more barrels were set ablaze on Commonwealth Avenue. Firefighters successfully extinguished the blazes, and authorities have released surveillance images to help identify the suspect, urging anyone with information to come forward. Nearby, a man was arrested in Gloucester for similar incidents.

Boston

Overview

Boston police are looking for a person of interest related to multiple trash barrel fires in Boston. The incidents occurred on Monday around 2:30 p.m. The fires began at Boston Common and Commonwealth Avenue Mall. Boston firefighters responded to the scene and extinguished the fires.

Immediate details

A total of three trash cans were set ablaze on Boston Common behind the Boylston Green Line stop on the Tremont Street side. An additional five trash barrels were ignited approximately half an hour later on Commonwealth Avenue near Berkeley Street. Surveillance photos have been released by Boston Police to help identify the suspect.

Police encourage anyone with information to contact them at 617-343-2202 or the anonymous tip line at 1-800-494-TIPS, or by texting TIP to CRIME (27463). Boston firefighters responded to a trash compactor fire in Downtown Crossing at around 5:15 p.m., caused by a Big Belly trash compactor.

Related incident in Gloucester

A separate incident involved a man arrested in Gloucester, Massachusetts, over a similar series of trash fires on Wednesday night. The Gloucester man, 37-year-old Bruce Nichols, faced charges related to five incidents of burning personal property. No injuries were reported from the Gloucester fires, which affected large metal trash bins on various streets including Bass Avenue and Main Street.

Investigation status and public safety

Authorities are reviewing surveillance images and canvassing nearby areas for witnesses and additional footage. Investigators have not reported any injuries from the incidents in Boston. Fire and police officials continue to monitor the situation and have advised the public to remain alert and to report any relevant information or suspicious activity through the provided contact channels.

Why this matters

Urban trash receptacles and compactors can pose fire risks if intentionally ignited. Fires in public spaces threaten property and can disrupt transit and pedestrian activity. Rapid response from fire crews limited damage at the scenes described, but ongoing investigation aims to determine motive and to prevent additional incidents.

What officials have released

Surveillance photos have been released by Boston Police to help identify the suspect. Officials have also repeated the request that anyone with information contact police at the phone numbers and tip lines listed above.

FAQ

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Additional Resources

• Boston 25 News
• Universal Hub
• NBC Boston
• CBS News Boston
• WCVB
• Wikipedia: Boston
• Google Search: Boston Trash Barrel Fires
• Google Scholar: Boston Trash Fire Incident
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Boston
• Google News: Boston Fire Police

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