Fire Marshal: No Accelerant Found at Green Street Fire

An arson-sniffing dog found no evidence of accelerants at the charred wreckage of a house at 31 Green Street heavily damaged by fire Thursday afternoon, Middletown Fire Marshal Al Santostefano said Friday.

But that does not rule out arson, Santostefano said.

The dog was sent late Thursday into the smoldering ruins of the two-home property. The fire appeared to have begun at the rear of 31 Green Street.

"The police department has taken the lead in the investigation," Santostefano said. He said he doesn't expect to learn the fire's cause until early next week. Arson has not been ruled out, he said.

Santostefano acknowledged his department is looking into possible leads. Witnesses on the scene Thursday claimed to see a teen running from the back porch of the home before police and fire arrived. "We're digging into that," he said.

The Assessor's office has updated information on the home, which, records indicate, was sold to Michael Darcy on Sept. 23 for $25,200. Darcy purchased 31 Green Street and the outbuilding at the rear of the home, positioned closely behind it, and a small, open garage. That outbuilding, and built around 1850, is considered 33 Green Street Rear.

The entire property comprises 1.5 acres and is 2,018 square feet. The assessed value is $121,300. The assessor's office confirmed the owner pays taxes on the property's value.

Michael E. Darcy of New York, N.Y., also purchased 34 Burr Avenue, Middletown, on March 18. He is listed as owner of 89 Grand Street with Jane M. Darcy.

The home has been deemed uninhabitable and the American Red Cross is providing shelter for three displaced adults from two families who live at 29 Green Street.

The Connecticut Arson Tip Award Program offers up to $2,500 to information leading to the arrest, conviction or prevention of arson. Call (800) 84-ARSON with information.

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