Frustration is mounting as the number of suspicious fires in Reading stacks up.
Fire officials said some homes have been hit more than once, which now has neighbors on edge.
"I'm just begging you to stop setting these fires, please!" said Laura Small, who fears someone could be killed.
Small put out a desperate plea after officials said a fire was intentionally set at the vacant home next to her house twice in two weeks.
Fire crews were called to 114 N. Fourth St. around 8:15 p.m. on Christmas Eve after a trash bag was set on fire outside. The flames spread to the porch in the back of the home, but were quickly put out.
Firefighters responded to the same home on Dec. 9. Both fires were determined to be suspicious, said officials.
A house in the 1000 block of North 6th Street is now the scene of an active police investigation after numerous fires were set inside earlier on Christmas Eve. Officials said they have been ruled arson.
"I took my security camera out back. That way, if anybody comes in the yard, I can get them on tape and then I'll turn it over to the police," said Joseph Hinson, who lives on North Fourth Street.
"I'm losing sleep over this because I'm too scared to go to sleep, I'm afraid it might go up again," said Small.
Since September, at least 17 fires have been ruled arson in the city, including the former outlet building fire at North Eighth and Oley streets, which caused $12 million in damage, said Larry Moyer, Reading's fire marshal.
Residents want the fires to stop because many people now fear for their safety.
"I worry about my kids," said Omar Ramirez.
"You don't need to be doing this because there is a lot of innocent people on this block that can get killed in these fires," said Small.
Moyer told 69 News he doesn't believe the same person is behind the fires. He said they've been sporadic and they're not in one centralized area.
His office is investigating and working to get surveillance video to help the process.
Anyone with information about any of the arson cases is urged to call Crime Alert Berks County at 877-373-9913. If your tip leads to an arrest you could get a cash reward.
from 69News:Home http://ift.tt/1ATt3rI
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