6 fires set in Holyoke this week, one targeting sleeping man

A 43-year-old man was arrested early Friday in Holyoke for allegedly setting six fires this week. City police and state troopers from the fire marshal's office took the suspect into custody.

The man faces multiple fire-related charges, including attempted murder. Authorities say he set a tent on fire while another man slept inside. The sleeping man woke to see the suspect igniting the tent and escaped without injury. The suspect fled the scene.

Officials report three fires started early Sunday morning on Race Street. Three more were discovered shortly before 3 a.m. Tuesday on Maple Street. The Sunday fires damaged a dumpster, a shed, and a third structure.

Holyoke Police Chief Brian Keenan stated in a written statement that any of the fires could have caused serious injury or worse beyond the property damage. State Fire Marshal Jon Davine noted in a separate statement that fire does not behave as expected and unchecked flames can grow to dangerous sizes.

The suspect is scheduled for arraignment Friday in Holyoke District Court. He has not been named by officials.