A Webster man charged in connection with setting a fire that displaced 12 families from their homes was arrested this week, according to a statement from the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services.

Gerardo Cruz-Rivera, 34, of Webster, is accused of intentionally setting a seven-alarm fire that tore through two buildings in Southbridge last November. He is being held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing on Oct. 1, in connection with the incident, according to the statement.

On Nov. 13, 2024, Southbridge firemen were dispatched to 7-9 Union Street in Southbridge for reports of a fire around 3:25 a.m. The statement said that firefighters from more than a dozen regional departments responded to the seven-alarm fire.

The fire later engulfed a neighboring building at 11-13 Union

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