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NEWS
Authorities investigating sixth fire since Jan. 25
HUNTINGTON -- A house that authorities believe was set on fire two weeks ago was targeted a second time early Monday morning.
Authorities described the latest flames to be that of a trash fire started inside the house.
It fanned further suspicion in a neighborhood that now has had six fires at five residences since Jan. 25.
"It just either adds to it or muddies it up, depending on how things go," said Huntington Fire Marshal David Bias. "We're investigating this one just as the other ones, regardless of its size."
Cabell County 911 received word of the latest fire at 4:44 a.m. Monday in the 2000 block of 10th Avenue. Bias said the house first was set fire about 2:30 a.m. Jan. 26.
Monday morning's blaze continued the same pattern -- fires starting in the early morning hours at vacant structures in the Fairfield neighborhood.
Huntington Police Detective Chris Sperry said investigators collected evidence from Monday's scene to further their ongoing investigation. Bias said they are following up leads and telephone calls in the active case.
Anyone with information should contact the state's arson hotline at 800-233-FIRE, the Huntington Fire Department at 304-696-5960 or the Huntington Police Department at 304-696-4420.
Monday's fire was the fourth blaze since Dec. 14 affecting three residences in the 2000 block of 10th Street. The twice-targeted residence is described as a three-story, wood-frame house that has been vacant for some time. When the front of the house was damaged by fire on Jan. 26, firefighters found two large garbage receptacles burning nearby.
Bias has called upon people to keep a watchful eye and safeguard their own properties. Tips include securing each opening, especially garages, along with clearing extra debris that can double as a fuel source for an arsonist. Such debris could include tree limbs, trash, toys and old couches.
The other fires were reported at 12:56 a.m. Monday, Jan. 25, in the 1900 block of Doulton Avenue; 1:41 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 27, in the 1100 block of 28th Street; 2:54 a.m. Friday, Jan. 29, in the 2000 block of 10th Avenue; and 2:31 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, in the 2100 block of 10th Avenue.
