Fort Wayne neighborhood concerned after 16 house fires since April
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) The investigation continues into suspicious house fires in northeast Fort Wayne.
The latest happened early Wednesday morning in the 7300 block of Blackhawk Lane.
“It’s the talk of every neighborhood I think,” neighbor Paul Ward said.
“When is it going to hit next and where is it going to hit? Is it going to be one of our houses?”
Ward lives near a couple of the recent house fires and is just like many who live around the Blackhawk neighborhoods and are looking for a solution.
“I think if they would get on the ball and get these houses fixed up and rented out again, maybe it would stop.”
Fire officials say the latest incicent fits the profile of the last 15 fires.
“The suspicion is that it is the same suspect that burnt the home twice,” Deputy Fire Chief Adam O’Connor added.
“They just got remodeling done and the contractor was still in the house.”
Rumors are circling around the area about those suspects. Fort Wayne fire officials told NewsChannel 15 that investigators have their eyes on two people, but there haven’t been any charges.
“If you have any tips or information you want to call 311,” O’Connor added. “Unless it’s an emergency and you think someone is doing something right now, then you want to call 911.”
Each incident leaves neighbors, and firefighters more and more worried about their safety.
“We do everything we can to keep people safe, but eventually somebody will get hurt, because of these fires,” O’Connor said.
“This has got to stop,” Ward added.
Blackhawk Forest Neighborhood Association President Pat Sidey said people are worried.
“I’ve lived here for 8 years now and the last 2 months has been much louder activity than the first 7 plus years,” Sidey said.
“The individual who lives next to where the fire was last night said it was a little too close for comfort for her,” Sidey added.
“We just have to be cautious and try to watch out. We don’t know exactly what the best steps are, but we’re trying to do the best we can.”
