Reward issued for arrest info in Lynn arson

LYNN – A $5,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for setting a Jan. 5 house fire at 29 Oakwood St. that caused serious injury to a Lynn firefighter.The reward money will be paid by the Mass Fair Plan, which offers rewards of up to $5,000 in arson cases. The organization also offers rewards for information leading to the prosecution of anyone planning to commit arson.Donald Baron, a Fire Department arson investigator, said the blaze completely destroyed the house, which has since been razed. The fire had multiple points of origin.”We hope the reward offer brings people forward with information,” he said, noting that Firefighter Marc Ducharme remains on injured leave after he collapsed at the fire scene and was defibrillated.Fire investigator Lt. David Legere said several leads are being followed as more details about the incident emerge.The small, two-story home opposite the Hood School was owned and occupied by David Farinelli and Anthony Aufiero. A school secretary was first to report the fire. The fire forced the evacuation of two disabled teenagers living nearby.Anyone with information about the Oakwood Street fire should call the Fire Department arson squad at 781-599-0232 or Lynn police at 781-595-2000.