PALM BAY, Fla. --
Fire investigators told Eyewitness News that there is a dangerous arsonist in Palm Bay. Since the beginning of 2010, someone has set 34 brush fires across the city and another one was set Thursday.
The city of Palm Bay was badly burned by a series of fires started by arsonists two years ago. Dozens of homes were lost and it seemed the entire city was engulfed in a cloud of smoke.
Fire investigators were dealing something similar Thursday. They believe someone is driving around purposely setting fires.
In the middle of Central Florida's dry season, another hot fire ripped through dry brush. Firefighters in Palm Bay have not had a break. Day after day, the flames keep popping up.
Another fire sparked Thursday afternoon and investigators say the fires are no accident.
"No natural cause, set miles apart, minutes apart, and someone is deliberately doing this," Palm Bay Fire Marshal Mike Couture said.
Thursdays fire has scorched more than 20 acres. Fire crews had to battle six fires Wednesday alone, and all were set within a short period of time. Since January 4, someone or some people have started 34 fires. That's nearly one a day, all in the southeast and southwest part of the city.
The fires race through dry brush, some burning dangerously close to homes. Investigators believe whoever is behind the fires is likely in some kind of vehicle. They're targeting vacant, wooded lots and often striking in the afternoon on windy days.
Even though, so far, firefighters have managed to keep the flames away from homes. They worry, and people who live there worry. It is a disturbing trend that could have devastating or even deadly consequences if the person or people behind the fires are not stopped.
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