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7 vacant homes set on fire, neighbors nervous

 FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) Fire Investigators say a vacant house that caught fire Monday morning was just one of seven houses in a neighborhood that have been set on fire since April 10.

According to Fort Wayne Fire Department Spokesman Adam O’Connor, there have been seven vacant houses that have been set on fire in the Blackhawk neighborhood, near Georgetown Square on the city’s northeast side.

Investigators are looking for an arsonist or group of people who they believe is responsible for all seven fires.

In a letter shared with residents, it appears the fires were set by a group of young people. Blackhawk Community Association President Tonya Hunt asked parents to talk to their children in addition to asking neighbors to be on the look out for anything suspicious.

One person told 24-Hour News 8’s sister station, WANE that she was concerned about what happens when the person or people responsible run out of unoccupied houses.

“Even though all the other fires have been in foreclosed houses, nothing’s to say if they run out of them or something else, it’s not going to be one of these other houses,” Linda Bentley said. “It’s not wintertime. There’s grass on the ground. One spark from a roof can set off another house,” she added.

Most recently, firefighters responded to a house in the 7100 block of Winnebago Drive just before 7 a.m. Monday. O’Conner said it was a small fire with mostly smoke. He added that arson investigators have been called for help.

The following are the seven addresses where the fires took place:

  • 7108 Winnebago Dr.
  • 6431 Papago Ct.
  • 3625 Bramblecrest Dr.
  • 7130 Antebellum Blvd.
  • 3115 Kenaston Dr.
  • 3232 Arrowwood Dr.
  • 3314 Blackfoot Ct.