12 Michigan Fires Set in One Month
PONTIAC, Mich. --
A firebug in Pontiac has targeted the city's vacant buildings and homes.
Fire investigators said between nine and 12 structures have been set ablaze in the past four weeks, and investigators said they believe it's the work of a serial arsonist.
The most recent fire was Monday at a building on the 60 block of S. Francis Street near Auburn Road.
No injuries were reported, but fire investigators believe it was the firebug's most recent blaze.
While investigating a fire in a three-story vacant apartment building on Frank Street, east of Perry Street, investigators found flammable liquids throughout the building.
Investigators said the fire was started at the back door, but the arsonist intended for the liquids to carry the flames through the rest of the house.
The fire burned out on its own without catching the flammable liquid.
Another small fire was reported at a vacant home on Chamberlain Street early Sunday morning.
The fire started in the back entrance and caught the kitchen cabinets on fire. Firefighters were able to keep the fire contained to the kitchen.
No injuries have been reported as a result of the fires.
Resident Michelle Lowe said she's concerned but won't let a firebug scare her.
"I love this house. I'm not going to let anybody run me out because I'm afraid. That's terrorism," she said.
A $5,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest of the suspected arsonist is being offered.
The department's fire marshal and the Oakland County Sheriff's Department is investigating the recent fires.
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