HOLYOKE, Mass. (AP) – A 13-year-old boy has been charged with setting a massive fire that destroyed a historic paper mill in Holyoke.
Authorities said the boy, whose name was not released because of his age, was arraigned Wednesday in Holyoke Juvenile Court on arson and breaking and entering charges. He was ordered held without bail pending a June 19 dangerousness hearing.
About 80 firefighters battled the 9-alarm blaze Monday night at the old Parsons Paper mill, which began operations in 1853 and closed in 2005.
Holyoke Fire Chief David LaFond said in a statement that juvenile fire-setting is a serious problem in Massachusetts and around the nation.
Hampden District Attorney William Bennett said his office is committed to holding youthful offenders responsible, while also getting them the help they need.
AP-ES-06-11-08 1720EDT
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