INDIANAPOLIS --
Another vacant home burned on Indianapolis' south side Friday morning, the 12th home or garage to burn in the same neighborhood since May 23.
The fire began at the home in the 1600 block of Leonard Street at about 4 a.m., 6News' Julie Pursley reported.
A firefighter was injured slightly when he fell off a ladder while battling the blaze.
"They have ruled out all accidental causes," said Indianapolis fire Capt. Gregg Harris.
Firefighters were able to make the determination quickly because no electricity or gas goes into the home, which rules out several possible causes.
Neighbors pounded on the door of an older woman next door as flames threatened her home.
"I told her what was going on and told her she needed to get out of the house, and she would not come out," said Marilyn Shadowens. "I thought I was going to have to drag her out or something."
All of the 12 fires have been set between 1:30 and 4:30 a.m. Residents said they are fed up.
"Somebody's really going to get hurt. It's disgusting," said Jerry Carter.
Indianapolis Fire Chief James Greeson said firefighters and arson investigators have been patrolling the streets looking for anything unusual.
"We are doing everything possible we can to investigate these incidents and fires," Greeson said. "Any time we get a person we think is of interest that we need to question or interrogate, we are doing that."
Greeson said people in the neighborhood should keep their porch and outside lights on to try to deter the arsonist.
Police asked anyone with information about the series of fires to call the Indiana Arson Hot Line at 800-382-4628.
