According to Columbus Division of Fire Battalion Chief Doug Smith, 15 people were arrested and taken into custody by late Thursday morning. Arson investigators, along with police and U.S. Marshals, were involved in the sweep, 10TV's Tino Ramos reported.

Those arrested face charges ranging from arson to domestic violence.

SLIDESHOW: Images Of Sweep | Images Of Fires

The city's south side has been plagued recently by fires. Since last fall, more than 70 fires have taken place, with 27 of them ruled arson.

Authorities last week made three arrests in connection with the case.

William Parsley, 33, faces charges in connection with setting a fire in January. His son has also been arrested, Ramos reported.

Authorities said that Thursday's sweep was meant to serve several purposes.

In addition to apprehending felons and being visible in the neighborhood, they were hopeful that someone would come forward with information about the fires.

"We're hoping that all the doors we knock on today that somebody will be willing to come forth and tell us something," said Jeff Happ with the Columbus Arson Bureau.

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Previous Stories:

March 5, 2009: Men In Surveillance Video Sought In Arson Investigation
March 2, 2009: Charges Filed In South Side Arsons
February 23, 2009: 6 Fires Believed To Be Deliberately Set
February 22, 2009:  Cause Still Unknown In South Side Factory Fire
February 21, 2009:  Firefighters Battle Blaze At South Side Factory

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