Arson Suspected in Four Fernald School Fires

Authorities are investigating two separate fires that broke out on April 19, 2025, at the vacant former Fernald School campus in Waltham, Massachusetts, as suspected arson, linking them to two previous fires at the site in December 2024 and January 2025. All four fires, affecting the Schoolhouse/Gym, Manual Training Building, Chapel of the Holy Innocents, and Chipman Hall, occurred on Saturdays and are believed to have been set intentionally and independently. The most recent incidents escalated to a four-alarm response, took over six hours to control, and caused building collapses, though no injuries were reported. Multiple agencies are involved in the investigation, emphasizing the ongoing risk to public safety from these incidents. Authorities have offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and urge the public to contact the Arson Watch Reward Hotline. Officials stress the urgent need to prevent further fires before serious harm occurs.