Fire marshal: 6 local fires connected, ruled arson
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WJW) — State fire investigators have ruled six fires reported in Cuyahoga and Lake counties within a two-week span last month were intentionally set.
The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal’s Fire and Explosion Investigation Bureau is now seeking tips and leads from the public.
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The first of the six fires ruled to be arson was reported just before 11 a.m. in a vacant field in the 2000 block of Loganberry Drive in Richmond Heights, according to the release.
Over the next several days, through Sunday, March 24, five vehicles were set on fire in Willoughby Hills, Richmond Heights and Beachwood, according to the release. No injures were reported.
Investigators believe the fires are connected. The Blue Ribbon Arson Committee is now offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest or conviction. Tipsters can call the State Fire Marshal’s tip line at 800-589-2728.
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Investigators are “particularly interested” in photos or video from home security or doorbell cameras or witnesses who were near the scenes when the fires happened.
Anyone who remembers a similar fire within that two-week span that has not yet been reported is urged to reach out to investigators.
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