PINE BLUFF — Fire investigators are seeking information on a rash of possible arsons that have occurred recently in Pine Bluff.
None of the cases seem connected, said Capt. Fred Tisdale, Pine Bluff’s fire marshal, and no arrests have been made.
Tisdale declined to discuss the specific number of suspected arsons, though he did say that the department was investigating an aboveaverage number of suspicious fires at city residences.
“Some have been occupied residences, some were not,” Tisdale said, adding that further information about the cases will be released soon.“We have also seen some suspicious car fires as well. There isn’t one specific area of the city we are seeing this activity in. It’s seemed pretty random.”
There have been no injuries associated with the fires, he noted.
Tisdale suggested that neighborhood residents begin watch programs to identify suspicious activity in and around their homes.
“We also suggest that residents install motion lights and secure flammable liquids like gasoline,” he said. “Also, keep your property clean, keep limbs picked up and away from your home. These types of things are easy targets for someone wanting to start a fire, because theyignite quickly. Don’t make it easy for arsonists.”
Tisdale said his department is working with the Pine Bluff Police Department on the investigations.
Lt. Bob Rawlinson, spokesman for the Pine Bluff Police Department, said night patrol officers have been instructed to keep a close watch for sus-picious activity around homes and buildings.
“If we see someone walking down the road with a gas can in their hand, then that’s a huge red flag,” Rawlinsonsaid. “We have become more aware that these things are happening in our community. And we rely on the community to feed us information about suspicious activity.”
Residents can report possible arsons to the Pine Bluff Arson Hotline at (870) 543-5150.
Northwest Arkansas, Pages 7 on 10/25/2010