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Vacant house fire is sixth arson this year

Blaze started early  Friday morning on  N. Florence St.

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By Jessica Heffner, Staff Writer 10:23 PM Friday, February 3, 2012

SPRINGFIELD — The city recorded its sixth arson of the year — twice as many as the same period last year — early Friday morning.

Several neighbors called 911 after seeing flames shooting from a vacant home at 775 N. Florence St. just after 1 a.m. Friday. A bottle bomb was likely thrown into the rear of the home, sparking the blaze, said Assistant Fire Chief Brian Miller.

Witnesses reported seeing three men next to the house, including one lighting a bottle on fire before running away. They were wearing hooded sweatshirts and black pullover coats, according to a police report.

This is the sixth arson since January. Between January 2011 and Feb. 3, 2011, the city had three arsons under investigation.

The fire department is still seeking information about this year’s fires, said Captain Jeff Powell.

Springfield is offering a $5,000 reward to anyone with information about the arsons. Call (937) 324-7610.

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