Trio of Washington fires believed to be arson
Police are investigating a trio of fires that broke out within an hour of each other early Saturday in the city of Washington as possible arson.
Two garages and a house, all less than a mile away from each other, caught fire, the first starting about 4:40 a.m. at the intersection of Seminole and Lewis avenues.
According to a report from Washington police, there was only minimal damage. The next fire, which emergency crews were dispatched to about 5 a.m., at 127 Poplar Street was more severe.
A police report states the home was “fully engulfed in flames.”
Another garage fire was reported about 5:20 a.m. at the intersection of Sumner Avenue and Osage Alley. Police reported the garage was damaged but still standing.
City fire Chief Gerald Coleman said the fires were suspicious and appear to have been intentionally set.
“We believe that they are related,” Coleman said.
The investigation was turned over to the city police crime unit. Coleman declined to disclose any additional information about the origins of the fires, saying it could jeopardize the investigation.