2 More South Columbus Fires Ruled Arson

Wednesday,  March 25, 2009 6:04 PM

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COLUMBUS, Ohio — Two homes caught fire Wednesday on the city's south side and investigators said both fires were purposely set.

The fires are the latest in a string of arsons in South Columbus.

The first fire broke out at about 12:30 p.m. at a vacant home on Reeb Avenue.  Later, firefighters were called to another vacant house fire on South Fourth Street.

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While both blazes were ruled arsons, investigators said the fires had several set or ignition points on different levels of the houses, 10TV's Brittany Westbrook reported.

According to authorities, the city's south side has been the scene of more than 70 fires since last fall. Nearly 30 of those fires were ruled arson.

Earlier this month, three people were arrested and charged with setting at least one fire in south Columbus.

"One of the individuals is still in jail from the previous arrests we made," said Columbus Division of Fire Battalion Chief David Whiting. "That definitely rules him out."

Authorities said two people were questioned in connection with Wednesday's fires, but no arrests or charges were announced, Westbrook reported.

Investigators have said previously that gangs may be behind some of the arsons.

Watch 10TV News and refresh 10TV.com for additional information.

Previous Stories:

March 12, 2009: Authorities Conduct Sweep To Stop South Side Arsons
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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