The Acre on Fire

"The Acre on Fire" recounts the tragic 1980 fire in Lowell, Massachusetts, that resulted in multiple deaths and led to the wrongful conviction of Victor Rosario, an immigrant and accused arsonist. Decades later, investigative reporting by Dick Lehr uncovered significant flaws in the fire investigation, ultimately leading to Rosario’s exoneration after 32 years in prison. The book offers a detailed reexamination of the case, shedding light on errors in fire science, media influence, and the justice system.