Rash of Fires Probed in OH

July 28, 2016
Arson investigators in Columbia are investigating.

A series of blazes that kept firefighters busy early Thursday morning across the Near East Side of Columbus are likely connected, said Steve Martin, battalion chief for the Columbus Fire Division.

Arson investigators are working the case, Martin said.

Though he could not say if the incidents are connected, Martin said an explosion at the Bexley Liquor Agency on Livingston Avenue also is being investigated.

Fires were reported in Olde Towne East and the Near East Side starting at about 3 a.m. and ending about 6:30 a.m. The fires were on Latta Avenue, East Mound Street, Linwood Avenue and Franklin Avenue were effected.

All were house fires except the Linwood Avenue fire, which was in an unattached residential garage.

Martin said investigators were looking for pieces of a bomb at the liquor store. “We have more questions than answers at this point,” he said.

@emilybohatch

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©2016 The Columbus Dispatch (Columbus, Ohio)

Visit The Columbus Dispatch (Columbus, Ohio) at www.dispatch.com

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