Taunton Man Charged in Arson Inferno That Nearly Killed Three

TAUNTON, Mass. — Taunton firefighters and police rushed to 6 Grant St. around 7:14 a.m. Tuesday after a 911 call reported flames, arriving to find thick smoke pouring from the second story of the multi-family home. Officers Brady Nichols and Jose Colon entered the burning structure first, assisted by arriving firefighters from Engines 1, 4 and 5, Ladder 2 and Car 2, to evacuate three occupants safely. Crews knocked down the blaze in 35 minutes, with no injuries to residents or responders.[1][2][3] A 47-year-old male occupant was arrested on the scene following a preliminary investigation deeming the fire arson. Taunton Police Arson Investigator Detective Derek Feeney leads the ongoing probe into the cause. Authorities, including Fire Chief Steven Lavigne and Police Chief Edward Walsh, announced charges of attempted murder and arson against the suspect.[2][3] Court records identified the man as Jeffrey Powers, who was arraigned Tuesday afternoon in Taunton District Court on a charge of arson of a dwelling. Powers pleaded not guilty and was held without bail pending a mental health hearing Wednesday. The incident underscores Taunton's challenges with fire safety in older neighborhoods like the gritty Grant Street area, where quick emergency response prevented tragedy.[3]