Connellsville Fire Department Chief Joe Childs said he suspects agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are investigating members of his department as they try to solve the city's string of arsons, which started in October 2003.
More than one arsonist deliberately started 25 fires, mostly at vacant structures, said Connellsville police Chief Stephen Cooper. The arsonists probably are not working together, he said.
Officials have made arrests in one case - two teenagers were charged with setting fire to a high school football stadium.
The ATF has installed video cameras throughout the city and has surveyed what the cameras have captured at a command center in South Connellsville.
But Childs said he doesn't know what is on the tapes.
ATF officials would not comment on Childs' statements.
Cooper would not call any Connellsville firefighters suspects, but said firefighters have been questioned.
``We have talked to a lot of firemen, but to say they are suspects is the wrong terminology,'' Cooper said.
A fire on Wednesday gutted a vacant shoe store and two unoccupied apartments, but officials have not officially called the blaze an arson.
