Suspicious Three-Alarm Fire Destroys Simoni Flowers on Route 1-August 10, 1990

Over 75 Firefighters Combat Fast-Moving Blaze That Forces Evacuation of Neponset Street Residents; State Fire Marshal Investigating

A suspicious three-alarm fire visible from several miles away destroyed two buildings and attached greenhouses at Simoni Flowers on Route 1 early this morning. The fast-moving inferno prompted the precautionary evacuation of eight homes on nearby Neponset Street, though no injuries were reported, and residents were permitted to return after 90 minutes. More than 75 firefighters from Norwood, Walpole, Westwood, Dedham, and Canton responded to the scene, successfully preventing the flames from spreading to the remaining 34 structures in the Simoni complex. The blaze was brought under control by 5:30 a.m.

Fire Chief Thomas Barry stated that authorities are treating the fire as suspicious because the building’s heating system was turned off and the structure was unoccupied when the alarm was raised at 3:12 a.m. Co-owner Brian Simoni, who lives on Neponset Street near the greenhouse complex, and his father discovered the fire and pulled the street alarm box. Destroyed in the blaze were a 2-story wooden storage barn, the wholesale office, and attached greenhouses, where heat melted plastic windows over rows of potted plants. The main retail store, located about 150 yards away, escaped damage, with part-owner Christopher Simoni confirming the retail shop would remain open for business.

Firefighting efforts faced significant challenges due to a lack of nearby water mains, leaving only five hydrants available and requiring a backup pumper truck from Walpole. Walpole Fire Chief Leonard Anderson noted that favorable wind conditions blowing back toward Route 1 helped crews contain the disaster, while Westwood Fire Chief John Sheehy described the heavy, defensive conditions that required portable deck guns. Firefighters were also forced to wear protective masks due to the potential hazard posed by 50 to 60 gallons of agricultural pesticides stored in the wholesale basement, which ultimately remained untouched by the flames. The state Fire Marshal’s Office launched an immediate investigation on the scene.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger