‘That is evil’: Business owner loses Barbershop after fire set in building in Mattapan

BOSTON — A Boston man has been charged with arson for allegedly setting a house on fire last month in Mattapan that left the residents without a home. It also left one man without his business. Now the business owner is speaking to Boston 25 News about the devastating experience.

On February 18th, flames claimed a house on Blue Hill Avenue in Mattapan leaving 8 people without a home. Below the house sits Ian Davis’s barbershop. Although it didn’t get damaged, Davis says the city will condemn the entire building.

“Once I realized that we have to relocate, it was a punch in the gut. I have been working on Barber Time for over 20-something years,” says Davis.

For the past two decades, the shop served as more than a place to get a haircut. Because of Ian’s big-picture vision, it became a radio station, a location to record PSAs, and offer mental health services through the help of the state department of health.

“We were training barbers and stylists how to be mental health advocates for who they already serve,” says Davis.

So, when Carl Fernand was charged with arson for allegedly setting this home on fire, Barber Time also metaphorically went up in flames too.

“Just to know someone did it on purpose, that is evil. I try to keep the anger off the individual and not even have anger,” says Davis.

Ian learned how to cut hair at 11 years old in Mattapan. He says no fire will keep the clippers out of his hands.

“There is a lot more to come from this. I just have to work through it but in the meantime, this hurts badly,” says Davis.

Everyone made it out of the home alive. No word yet on when the building will be condemned.

In the meantime, Ian says Lawson’s-a nearby barbershop has allowed him to cut hair from there.

If you would like to help Ian, you can visit his website at barbertimeplus.com

A gofundme has been set up to help raise money as well.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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