After 3 Tuesdays of Arsons, Police and Neighbors on Alert
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Photojournalist:
SUPERIOR - Police have increased their presence in a specific area in the north end of Superior after a string of arson fires.
The fires have occurred in the early morning hours on three consecutive Tuesdays.
On the eve of what neighbors fear could be the fourth Tuesday, the community met to talk with police.
"It's pretty scary and it happens to be a pattern," Bev Robinson, who lives near the arson area, said.
"I'm getting more angry that I am scared actually," Marv Swonger, a nearby resident, said.
On March 20, the garage of a vacant house lit up.
One week later, the vacant home next door did, too.
On Tuesday, April 3, fires were set to a car and campers just one block away, and minutes later a home was set on fire with people inside.
"I think they're rightfully concerned on their safety," Superior Police Chief Chuck LaGesse said.
The string of fires, with no clear suspect in mind, brought police and neighbors together Monday tonight.
"One of these fires was to a house and it was occupied and if someone would do that once they would do it again," LaGesse said.
Police are now keeping a closer eye on the area and reminding people to play it extra safe.
"Right now with this series of fires in the neighborhood they should call 911 whenever they see someone they feel is suspicious," LaGesse said.
Neighbors and police are now determined to put a stop to the string of fires knowing the culprit could be in their own backyard.
"Maybe everybody leave their lights on, do a light out you know," Robsinson said. "Just kind of everybody watch out for each other."
"It's very important that we identify who's doing this so that we make sure they stop doing it," LaGesse said.
Chief LaGesse also reminded residents to try and remove any items from their property that could be set on fire like piles of wood.
He said the fires appear to have been set without accelerants and with common items like wood and paper.
Residents are encouraged to call with any sighting of possible suspicious activity in their neighborhood, in or out of the recently affected area.
