DENNIS, Mass. (AP) -- Three vacant homes within a few blocks of each other were set on fire in this town over the weekend, bringing to 13 the number of suspicious blazes on Cape Cod this month.
Authorities are looking for a ``common thread'' that may prove the fires are connected, Police Capt. William Monahan said.
The series of weekend fires appear to have been set by the same arsonist or arsonists, authorities said. In at least two of the homes, items in the basement were ignited, and in all three there were signs of a break-in.
Two firefighters suffered minor injuries fighting the fires. No damage estimate was available.
One neighbor told police that two people fled the scene of the first fire Saturday night in a light-colored or white car. Police are offering a $5,000 reward for tips leading to arrests and convictions.
Arson is also suspected in a Nov. 7 fire in Dennis and a string of car and building fires from Mashpee to Brewster on Nov. 9.
No serious injuries have been reported in any of the blazes.
