Ashtabula fires called work of arsonists

By: Star Beacon - Shelley Terry

ASHTABULA — Three fires occurring in one week officially have been determined to be arsons after accidental causes have been ruled out, a city fire investigator said Tuesday.

Fire Capt. Gerald Senger posted signs Tuesday at the site of the fires, offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the identities of the person(s) responsible for setting two houses which burned late Saturday at 1117 and 1100 W. 37th St.

“A lot of flames,” Senger said when asked to describe the raging fires as they burned at opposite sides of the street, about 100 yard a apart last Saturday night.

Crews from Geneva, Saybrook and Ashtabula townships were called to assist in fighting the fires. Firefighters stayed on the scene for three hours, according to the firefighters’ report.

No one was injured.

The estimated loss on the three structures is $130,000, the report said.

A house that burned Nov. 9 at 5529 Madison Ave., Ashtabula, also has been ruled as arson, Senger said.

Signs were posted at that site on Tuesday, as well, Senger said.

The fires were investigated by the Ashtabula Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Bureau. Anyone with information may call the bureau at (440) 992-7191, and speak with an investigator in confidence.