Thanksgiving fire investigation continues
Man still in hospital and no charges filed
By Andrea Gregory

Fernando Araujo, 34, remains in critical care at Massachusetts General Hospital following a Thanksgiving blaze that torched two cars and his apartment building.

Police continue to investigate the back-to-back car fires that happened on Thursday, but are yet to charge anyone with the incident.

The first fire was at 3:51 a.m. in the driveway of Araujo’s Wheatland Street apartment. The car belonged to Cheri Ellis, of Malden, who was staying at Araujo’s place.

After the fire was out, authorities left the scene never imagining they would return for a second fire less than five hours later.

“The vehicle was left in the driveway because the owner was going to have it towed in the morning,” said Upton.

Police Officer John Oliveira was at the nearby fire station at 266 Broadway, when tragedy struck for a second time on Wheatland Street.

“He heard a loud noise and saw smoke,” said Upton.

Oliveira rushed over to the Wheatland Street address with several firefighters. They found a second white Honda engulfed in flames. The house had also caught fire as a result of the explosion. Araujo was in the driveway also on fire when authorities arrived.

According to Upton, he was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital where he continues to be treated for second and third degree burns to his face, head, neck and shoulders. Early this week he was still listed in critical condition.

Somerville police quickly established a crime scene, said Upton. Shortly after the investigation began, Upton said police had reason to believe there might have been an explosion is the first car that caught fire still waiting to go off. The perimeter of the crime scene needed to be expanded, and several buildings in the neighborhood were evacuated.

Upton said many of the neighborhood’s residents were not at home due to the holiday. Still, about six to eight families needed to find somewhere else to gather for the holiday, said Upton.

State police were contacted, and hazardous device technicians, also know as the bomb squad, along with fire investigators arrived on the scene at about 12:45 p.m.

“They examined the two cars and other vehicle in the back of the building,” said Upton.

According to Upton, some of the vehicles were x-rayed with devices the bomb squad brought with them. They also used other electronic equipment to ensure there were no other cars waiting to explode or catch fire.

“They determined the vehicles were safe,” said Upton. “Around 4:30 (p.m.) people (in the neighborhood) were allowed back into their homes.”

Araujo’s building still shows evidence of the fire. The side of the building next to the driveway is chard and the windows are boarded up. A sign hangs in one of the front windows

Upton said Somerville police were pursuing several leads, but were not willing to release the names of any possible suspects.

“At this time no one has been charged. We are looking to talk to any one with information,” said Upton.

Anyone with information about the incident should call the Somerville police at (617) 625-1600 and ask to speak with the detectives.