Police issue photo of woman with gas can following arson on Silver Street

Do you recognize this woman? Surveillance photo circulated by Manchester Police.

MANCHESTER, NH — An investigation is underway into a suspicious fire Wednesday morning.

Members of the Manchester Police Department and Fire Department responded to 279 Silver St. around 9:20 a.m. on Jan. 30 for a fire.

Authorities have determined the fire was a result of arson. It caused significant damage to the apartment building, and is now under investigation.

Detectives located a surveillance photograph of a woman seen near the address shortly before the fire carrying a gas can. Anyone with information should contact Det. Scott Ardita at 603-792-5506 and reference MPD Case # 19-1451.

You may also leave an anonymous tip via the Manchester Police Crimeline or by calling 603-624-4040. You may be eligible for a cash reward should your crime tip lead to the arrest and conviction of the suspect.

Investigators at the scene of an arson on Silver Street. Photo/Jeffrey Hastings

Incident Summary from Manchester Fire Department

Multiple 911 calls were received by Manchester Fire Department at 9:08 a.m. reporting fire at 279 Silver St. Three minutes later the first MFD unit arrived on scene and reported a fire on the first floor of a multi-family dwelling.

A subsequent 911 call from an occupant inside the structure reported he was on the second floor and unable to exit due to the heavy smoke condition. Firefighters immediately located him and escorted him, uninjured, to safety via the rear of the building.

An additional telephone call reported a witness seeing an unidentified female pouring a liquid onto the front porch area and igniting it then fleeing the scene. That aspect of the incident is now under investigation by Manchester police.

Four families are being assisted by the Red Cross as the building will be temporarily uninhabitable. Fire damage was limited to the first floor however smoke damage was sustained throughout the structure. Estimated damage to the building is $10,000.

Police issue photo of woman with gas can following arson on Silver Street

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Incident Summary from Manchester Fire Department

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Carol Robidoux