The clock shows five a.m. and the town of Prospect Connecticut appears seemingly serene and quiet, as it usually is this time of day. Mayor Robert Chatfield is ordering a morning coffee at Dunkin Donuts, he suddenly hears the crash of breaking glass. As he looks through the window he sees a billow of flames erupting from the two businesses across the street, MTM Masonry and Chimney and Golden Wok.

Mayor Bob called in the fire on Waterbury Road, and soon help from the Prospect, Waterbury, Cheshire, and Bethany fire department arrived at the site of the fire. The disaster occurring on Tuesday September 15, is now suspected to be deliberate destruction. Police ruled out any accidental causes of the fire and Prospect Fire Marshall, Keith Griffin, declared it to be arson.

Dogs trained to track the scent of fire accelerant were brought in onto the crime scene by the Connecticut State Police, and smelled a fire starting substance in two areas. An analysis is currently being done on the two substances and the case is being investigated by state police Troop 1 of Bethany. If you have any information about the fire useful to the investigation you can call 1-800-842-7766 for a reward of up to $2500.