JERUSALEM TOWNSHIP, OH (Toledo News Now) - Several suspicious fires in Jerusalem Township are being linked to arson. Three buildings have been targeted over the past week and a half with the latest happening Sunday.
Chief Harold Stranton said the same groups of people are responsible for the first two fires which included one on August 9. Flames were captured shooting out of a vacant house on Rachael Rd and six days later, a fire happened on LaFontaine Dr.
"When they're within a week of each other yes that's significant and when they're both arsons it becomes quite an event," said Chief Stranton.
Chief Stranton said arsons are rare for the area because on average the fire department responds to one fire a year.
Every time the volunteer crews respond to a fire resources are pulled away from other emergencies. Chief Stranton said the easiest way to combat crime is to keep an eye out for vacant homes in the neighborhoods.
"You should really, really take a walk around see what that looks like. Can people get into it? Are they getting into it? If you notice activity call law enforcement right away," said Chief Stranton.
One person is currently in custody for the arsons. Though Sunday's fire is not related to the others, officials say they all lack any explanation. No one was hurt in any of these fires.
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