Downtown fire suspected arson

Octavia Mitchell
Published: September 19, 2008

The Charleston City Fire Department and police are investigating a rash of arson fires in the downtown area within the past year.  The latest one happened on Sumter Street at around 3am Friday.
 
Fire officials say they are investigating more than 12 fires so far this year.  The fires have been set inside, on porch furniture, or near an abandoned or renovated home.  Someone has also set nine trash fires.

The fires are taking place in the downtown area on both sides of the Crosstown near Coming Street to President Street.  Thirty fires within the past four years are also being investigated to see if they are linked to recent fires.

Battalion Chief Raymond Lloyd says they need the community to be on the lookout for suspicious activity in neighborhoods.  Chief Raymond Lloyd says, “If people have anything on their porches, furniture wise which is flamable in nature, remove that, leave their porch lights on front and back.  If they see anybody suspicious especially early in the morning, around midnight to 4 o’clock, call the police.“

Fire officials say the Charleston City Police Department formed a task force with SLED, ATF, the fire department and psychologists to look at all aspects of the fires to generate a profile on who may be starting these fires.

If you have any information on these fires, call Crimestoppers at 554-111.