Boston, Massachusetts – An arson incident has shocked the community as a popular pub, the Squealing Pig, was engulfed in flames in the early hours of Wednesday morning. The blaze quickly spread through the building, prompting a second alarm response from Boston firefighters.
Authorities have charged 23-year-old Prasiddha Baruwal from Everett with arson, breaking and entering, and willful malicious destruction of property in connection to the fire at the Squealing Pig. The intensity of the fire was so severe that it caused nearby vehicles and a light pole to sustain damage.
Fire Commissioner Paul F. Burke reassured the public that the incident was isolated to the pub and not a threat to the larger community. Despite the extensive damage to the building, firefighters were able to contain the fire to prevent further destruction.
Witnesses who shared videos of the incident mentioned seeing smashed windows at the pub before the flames broke out. Pub regulars expressed shock and disbelief that someone would intentionally harm their neighborhood gathering spot, which had been a fixture in the area for 26 years.
The owners of the Squealing Pig are determined to rebuild and create a new community gathering place in the aftermath of the fire. The motive behind the arson attack remains unclear, leaving many residents and patrons wondering why the pub was targeted.
No injuries have been reported in relation to the fire, but the impact on the local community and the loss of a beloved establishment have left many residents reeling. As the investigation into the arson continues, the Boston community bands together to support the owners and employees of the Squealing Pig during this challenging time.