A 23-year-old man has been charged with arson in connection to a fire that erupted at the Squealing Pig, a Boston pub located off Huntington Avenue. Early Wednesday morning, Boston firefighters were called to the scene as flames quickly spread through the establishment, prompting a second alarm. The suspect, Prasiddha Baruwal of Everett, was arrested and charged with arson of a commercial building, breaking, and willful malicious destruction of property.

Significant Damage but No Injuries

The fire’s intensity was so severe that it caused the top of a light pole across the street to melt and inflicted damage on two nearby vehicles. Despite the extensive damage to the pub, firefighters managed to contain the blaze to one building, preventing it from spreading further. Remarkably, no injuries were reported in the incident.

“We believe this was a one-time incident directed at this establishment and not to the community at large,” said Fire Commissioner Paul F. Burke. This statement aims to reassure the community that the act was targeted specifically at the pub and poses no ongoing threat.

Community Reassured

Fire Commissioner Paul F. Burke emphasized that the fire was not an indication of a broader threat to the community. The swift response of the Boston firefighters played a crucial role in containing the fire and minimizing damage to surrounding properties.

The arrest of Baruwal and the charges brought against him highlight the serious consequences of such actions and serve as a deterrent against future incidents. The investigation into the motive behind the arson continues, as authorities work to piece together the events leading up to the fire.

Looking Forward

While the Squealing Pig has suffered significant damage, the community can take solace in the fact that no one was injured and that the fire did not spread beyond the pub. The focus now shifts to rebuilding and restoring the beloved establishment, as well as understanding the underlying reasons behind this targeted act of arson.

The fire at the Squealing Pig serves as a stark reminder of the potential devastation caused by arson and the importance of vigilant community safety measures. As the investigation unfolds, the community remains united in its support for the pub and its employees, eager to see the Squealing Pig rise from the ashes.