ORANGE — A local man is expected to be summonsed to Orange District Court to face charges after he allegedly set fire to a multi-family home at 80 West Main St. on July 17.

According to a press release from the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, the fire was determined to be intentionally set. All other potential causes were ruled out.

Although no one was injured, the release states, damages are estimated at $15,000.

“The community really stepped forward and helped to solve this case,” said Orange Fire Chief James Young. “This fire is not connected to any other recent fires in the neighborhood because they were accidental.”

The call came in at around 7:40 p.m. on July 17, after a passerby noticed smoke coming from the residence. According to a previous statement from the Orange Fire Department, when firefighters arrived they discovered heavy smoke and flames were visible from the kitchen. No one was home at the time.

Crews from New Salem and Athol, as well as a Rapid Intervention Team from Phillipston, were requested, but were canceled while en route. Woods Ambulance provided EMS coverage.

According to the Fire Department, the “bulk of the fire” was quickly knocked down, though crews remained on scene for two hours to check for fire in concealed spaces.

Members of the Orange Fire and Police departments, as well as State Police assigned to the Office of the State Fire Marshal, jointly investigated the fire.

“In Massachusetts, we do a team concept of fire investigation — police, fire, State Police, other agencies as needed,” said Jennifer Mieth, a spokesperson for the Department of Fire Services. “We follow the National Fire Protection Association 921 for fire investigations.”

Mieth said part of that process involves determining where the fire started, often going from where the least damage is to where the most damage is.

“Once you figure out where the fire started, you begin to systematically eliminate all possible causes … until you’re left with the most probable cause,” she said.

The investigative team developed a suspect, who will be summonsed to Orange District Court. The man’s name is not being released until he is formally charged.

The Department of Fire Services press release states the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office will prosecute the case.

Reach Mary Byrne at 413-772-0261, ext. 263 or mbyrne@recorder.com.