SEATTLE --
The reward offered for information that helps catch whoever is responsible for setting a series of fires in Seattle's Greenwood neighborhood was raised to $25,000 Tuesday.
After six deliberately set fires in the last 18 days, many in the Greenwood neighborhood are anxious.
The worst was a fire on Oct. 23 that destroyed four restaurants and caused $2 million in damage.
Some business owners told KIRO 7 News reporter Chris Legeros they're so concerned about their businesses being torched that they're sleeping in them.
Thaddeus Valentine, who owns a men's hair salon, slept at his business in a recliner Monday night.
"I just felt really unsafe for the building, as well as my fellow neighbors," said Valentine.
Others are asking the city for more surveillance cameras and installing their own motion detector lights and upgrading burglar alarms.
Consignment and antique store owner Bill Clements said he is patrolling the area around his business after hours.
"I do drive-bys, I check out my place and drive around as much as I can," said Clements.
In addition, shop owners are urging each other to lock up recycled cardboard and newspapers that could be used as fuel for another fire.
Because of the outpouring of public concern, the Seattle Fire Department moved a Tuesday night community meeting to a larger location
It will be held at 7 p.m. at the Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church, Fellowship Hall at 7500 Greenwood Avenue North.
WATCH IT: Nervous Business Owners Watch For FirebugCopyright 2009 by KIROTV.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
