Suspicious odor leads to arson concerns

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) - A suspicious liquid is causing concerns of attempted arson at one building in Holyoke.

Around 3:40 a.m. Thursday, the Holyoke Fire Department received a call about a suspicious odor coming from an apartment at 352 Maple Street. According to Joseph Beaulieu, the Captain of Fire Prevention for Holyoke, the smell originated from the first floor. Firemen found a flammable liquid poured on the apartment floor.

Residents on the second and third floor were ordered to evacuate. The building has been condemned until the liquid is cleaned up.

The state fire marshal is helping to investigate the incident. A mattress and blanket drenched in this unidentified liquid were removed from the apartment.