A Webster man is facing arson charges in connection with a multi-alarm blaze in Southbridge last year that left dozens of residents displaced and left a firefighter hospitalized, officials said.

Gerardo Cruz-Rivera, 34, has been indicted by a Worcester County grand jury for allegedly setting a fire that ripped through two multi-family homes, according to a joint statement issued by Southbridge Police Chief Shane Woodson, Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early, Jr., Southbridge Fire Chief Paul Normandin, and State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine.

The origin and cause of the fire were investigated by the Southbridge Fire Department, Southbridge Police Department, and State Police fire investigators assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office. Collectively, they determined that the f

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