http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/300741628634557.php
Fire at vacant house considered suspicious
Friday, November 3, 2006
YOUNGSTOWN — A blaze that erupted Thursday evening in a vacant 11/2-story wood frame house at 572 E. Lucius Ave. is suspicious and appears to be the work of an arsonist, according to Battalion Chief Frank Rosa of the city fire department.
Rosa, who estimated damage at $20,000, said it appears an accelerant was used to set the fire, which was reported at 7:05 p.m. The first floor was engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived, and the flames spread to the attic as firefighters entered the house, whose front door was wide open, he said.
There were no injuries. Fire investigators were to be on the scene today.
Are these fires due to homes that have been left vacant for a long time or were being used for drug activity?
There is probably a big chance of that being the case. The only thing in this case, is that they said an accelerant was used. If it was vacant, that opens my mind to wonder about the registered owner's situation. It sure seems that vacant burns are a real norm these days.