Fairfield, September 10, 2025
News Summary
Two students from Sacred Heart University, Samuel Archer and Henry Hirsch, face charges of arson and reckless endangerment following a fire at Heritage Square Plaza causing $400,000 in damages. The fire started when they mishandled matches while attempting to light a marijuana cigarette. Following the incident, both students posted bonds for release and face an internal review from the university regarding their conduct.
Fairfield
Two students from Sacred Heart University have been charged with arson following a fire that inflicted approximately $400,000 in damage to the Heritage Square Plaza. The defendants, Samuel Archer, age 19, from Plymouth, Massachusetts, and Henry Hirsch, age 20, from Ridgefield, Connecticut, are accused of igniting the destructive fire on December 7, 2022, after attending the SantaCon beach bash.
Both students are facing charges of third-degree arson and second-degree reckless endangerment. Their criminal cases were continued in court without their appearance, and they are scheduled to return on November 3, 2023. Attorneys representing the two students, John Gulash and Audrey Felsen, have declined to comment on the specifics of the case.
A judge denied their application for probation earlier this year, citing surveillance footage that indicated the fire was intentionally started. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported as a result of this incident.
Incident Details
The fire was primarily confined to a stairwell storage area of the plaza, but it resulted in extensive damage. The storage area contained various combustible materials like tools and paint cans, which contributed to the destruction. Police reports revealed that Hirsch and Archer were reportedly playing with matches to light a marijuana cigarette, which inadvertently ignited leaves in the stairwell. After trying to extinguish the fire with urine and other methods, the pair fled the scene when alarms began to sound and did not inform anyone at the shopping plaza or call 911.
Damage Assessment
A lawyer for the plaza’s owners has assessed the damage to be around $400,000. The fire caused notable property damage, affecting the building’s vinyl siding, plate glass windows, and stairs. Surveillance footage highlighted the students’ actions, capturing them lighting a fire and attempting to extinguish it before leaving the premises.
Repercussions and University Actions
Following the incident, both Archer and Hirsch posted $50,000 bonds for their release after their arrests. Their actions have also prompted an internal conduct review at Sacred Heart University to determine if they violated the school’s code of conduct. This review process is separate from the criminal proceedings and reflects the university’s policies on student behavior.
The case has garnered attention, particularly due to the prosecutor’s comments labeling the SantaCon celebration a significant issue for Fairfield, primarily due to alcohol and substance use among participants. This incident has raised discussions about the responsibilities of students and the impact of substance use on community safety.
Conclusion
As the situation unfolds, both the legal ramifications for Archer and Hirsch and the university’s internal review process will shape the future consequences they may face following this alarming incident.
FAQs
What are the charges against Samuel Archer and Henry Hirsch?
They are charged with third-degree arson and second-degree reckless endangerment.
What caused the fire at Heritage Square Plaza?
The fire was ignited when the students played with matches while attempting to light a marijuana cigarette, inadvertently igniting leaves in a stairwell.
What is the estimated damage from the fire?
The estimated damage from the fire is around $400,000.
When are the students scheduled to appear in court next?
The students are scheduled to return to court on November 3, 2023.
What actions is Sacred Heart University taking in response to the incident?
The university has referred the case to its internal conduct review process to determine whether the students violated the school’s code of conduct.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Wayne County Marks Ten Years of Community Progress
Additional Resources
- CT Insider: Fairfield Sacred Heart SantaCon Arson Defendants
- Wikipedia: Arson
- CT Post: SantaCon Arson Denial
- Google Search: SantaCon
- Patch: 2 Accused Arson Fairfield
- Google Scholar: Arson Law
- CT Insider: Sacred Heart Students Fire Arrest Warrant
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Combustible Materials
- Daily Emerald: Reported Explosion Prompts Electrical Fire at Sacred Heart
- Google News: Fairfield University Fire
Author: STAFF HERE PLYMOUTH WRITER
The PLYMOUTH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPlymouth.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Plymouth, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Plymouth Ice Festival, Art in the Park, and the Plymouth Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Plymouth Community Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Plymouth, plus leading businesses in automotive and retail that power the local economy such as Roush Industries and Downtown Plymouth businesses. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HERENovi.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
