LANDOVER HILLS, Md. (AP) -- Four more fires were added Friday to the list of those believed to be the work of the Washington, D.C., region's serial arsonist, bringing the total number of cases to 44.
For the first time, one of the fires does not involve a home. A Sept. 8 car fire in Northeast Washington is now part of the investigation, said Kelly Long, a special agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Authorities are not sure why the car was torched.
``It could've been a crime of opportunity,'' Long said. ``He could've been pressed for time.''
Fire investigators said there was extensive damage to the sedan, which was ignited between 5 and 6 a.m. while parked on the street.
Two of the other fires now on the list happened this week. A Thursday fire at a condominium in Wheaton, Md., marked the second case in Montgomery County. Monday's house fire in Northeast Washington was also added, along with an Aug. 30 fire at a home in the Huntington section of Fairfax County, Va.
There have now been 43 fires and one attempted fire linked to the arsonist since March 8, 2003. There are also cases in Prince George's County, Md., and in the City of Alexandria, Va.
A fire on June 5, 2003, killed an elderly woman. In many of the cases, an accelerant was spread outside of the home during late night or early morning hours.
In addition to those fires, authorities said they were re-examing hundreds of unsolved arsons in the past two years to see if any include evidence that might link them to the investigation.
``We don't want to leave any stone unturned,'' said Gary Palmer, assistant fire marshal for the District of Columbia.
Long urged the public for help, asking residents to leave outside porch lights on, and to write down the license plates of suspicious vehicles they notice in their neighborhoods.
``We're going to go on until we catch this person,'' she said, portraying the arsonist as someone skilled at lying who may lead a secret life and have a ``chameleon'' personality.
She said setting fires might be a way for the suspect to relieve stress -- including financial problems, troubles at work and legal difficulties. The suspect also might abuse alcohol.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to call (301) 77-ARSON. A reward of $35,000 is being offered for knowledge leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the fires.
