STAMFORD — A local man was charged with first-degree arson and insurance fraud following an investigation into a December fire at his residence.
At 9:28 a.m. Dec. 27, the Stamford Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 536 Mill Rd.
Firefighters battled heavy smoke and flames, but managed to save the building.
Stamford Fire Chief Paul Ethier requested assistance from the Vermont Department of Public Safety Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit to determine the fire’s origin and cause.
The Unit concluded the fire was intentionally set.
Following a thorough investigation, authorities charged Joseph T. Pallas, 31, of Stamford, with purposefully setting the blaze.
Pallas was cited on Dec. 30 and is due for arraignment at 8:30 a.m. Feb. 24, in Bennington’s Superior Court.
Further details will be released after Pallas’ court appearance.
