Matthews firefighter arrested, charged with fire at vacant business

MATTHEWS, N.C. – A Matthews firefighter has been arrested and charged in connection to a building fire. 54-year-old Peter Blaich is charged with “burning of certain buildings.” It’s in connection to a fire at the vacant Boston Market restaurant on Independence Boulevard on January 12.

The Town of Matthews released a statement saying in part that Blaich’s charges “Do not reflect the values, standards, or professionalism of Matthews Fire & EMS.” He has been placed on leave while the criminal investigation is underway.