Overview
- Police say Jeffrey Powers, 47, admitted he set the blaze by lighting mattresses in his apartment as firefighters rescued three people from the building.
- A police report says he mentioned using kerosene and said he wanted first responders to come because he believed people were trying to harm him.
- The fire tore through the second floor of the three-family house, displaced tenants, and neighbors began collecting clothes and supplies after crews brought it under control in about 35 minutes.
- Prosecutors dropped the attempted murder count and are moving forward with an arson charge tied to the Taunton fire.
- A judge ordered Powers to Bridgewater State Hospital for further evaluation of his competence to stand trial, and he is due back in court in May.