Before two-alarm Back Bay fire, firefighters were kept busy with flaming trash, Christmas trees and wreaths

One resident had a front-row seat to watch Boston firefighters put out three burning Christmas trees, one wreath and a bed frame at Marlborough Street and Charlesgate East at 8:58 p.m. yesterday.

It was one of numerous outdoor fires set by somebody roaming Back Bay alleys last night before a two-alarm fire erupted on Beacon Street at Exeter Street around 10:15 p.m. - possibly the result of one of the arsonist's outdoor fires.