By Tiffany Williams –
UPTON, Massachusetts — A Milford man is under arrest after authorities say he set one of several illegal fires along the Peppercorn Trail, a wooded conservation area that investigators say has been targeted repeatedly over the past several months.
CAMERON GRIFFIN, 28, of Milford, was apprehended on the night of January 22 at the scene of an outdoor fire near the Peppercorn Hill parking area along Crockett Road, according to Upton Fire Chief Michael Marchand, Upton Police Chief Nicholas Palmieri, and State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine. Griffin was charged with unlawful burning, disorderly conduct, and disturbing the peace. He was also charged with child endangerment after officials determined a child was inside his vehicle at the time of the incident.
Authorities say an off-duty Upton firefighter spotted the fire in its early stages after being alerted by his wife and drove from his nearby home to the scene. The firefighter positioned his vehicle to block Griffin’s escape and remained on scene until Upton Police arrived and took him into custody.
Upton Fire Chief Michael Marchand identified the firefighter as Firefighter/EMT Matthew Kerr.
“Matt didn’t hesitate to respond to what could have grown to a significant brush fire,” said Chief Marchand. “Once at the scene, his decisive action helped Upton Police take the suspect into custody and likely end this spree of incendiary fires. On behalf of the Upton Fire Department and our brothers and sisters at Milford Fire, I want to recognize his efforts to protect public safety in our community.”
Investigators say Thursday’s fire was one of several reported in the Peppercorn Hill Conservation Area since last summer. At least five fires were reported between July 25 and July 26, 2025, followed by another fire on January 13, 2026. The incidents are being investigated by the Upton and Milford police and fire departments, the Department of Conservation & Recreation, and the State Police Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office. Authorities say additional charges are expected in connection with the earlier fires.
“Upton Police and our law enforcement partners in Milford take great satisfaction in this arrest,” said Chief Palmieri. “Any fire can be dangerous, but especially one in an outdoor setting frequented by residents and visitors who deserve to enjoy our natural resources.”
“The 2024 Massachusetts wildfires showed all of us just how quickly an outdoor fire can spread,” said State Fire Marshal Davine. “Intentionally setting a fire in a wooded area is courting disaster, and this arrest demonstrates that it will have consequences.”