Arsons are on the rise in Indianapolis, spiking 35 percent over the same time last year, investigators said.
An early-morning fire in the 3200 block of North Kenwood Avenue on Tuesday is one of 231 arsons on record in 2010, 6News' Joanna Massee reported.
"I don't think it's a crisis necessarily, but it's certainly a problem," said Indianapolis Fire Chief Brian Sanford.
In addition to canvassing neighborhoods, Sanford said the department is working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and using more data analysis.
"We're using statistical data and mapping the areas of not only where the fires occur, but we're also mapping where fire starters and known arsonists live," he said.
So far this year, records show 31 people have been arrested on suspicion of arson.
Former Indianapolis police officer Jesse Russell Jr., 31, was charged in June with six counts of arson in connection with three fires investigators said were set earlier this year.
People who live near the burned-out homes said they believe more can be done.
"They need more police and stuff around to watch the neighborhoods and stuff," said resident Charles Deamus.
Marlene Anderson, who lives next door to her late father's house at 1514 Samoa St., said she watched as the house went up in flames last week.
"The family was trying to work something out so we could keep it," she told Massee.
A firefighter was injured while battling the blaze, which investigators said they also believe was the work of an arsonist.
Sanford urged neighbors to have working smoke alarms in their homes and to make an emergency evacuation plan with their families.
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