Police searching for arson suspect in connection with 6 fires dating back to July 2 in east Durham
DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- A string of recent fires in east Durham is now being looked at as arson, according to the fire department.
The fires took place on July 2, 11 and 12. Two took place on East Pettigrew Street, the other happened on Angier Avenue.
All of the homes were abandoned with no power.
In the fire on Tuesday at E. Pettigrew Street, the side of another abandoned home was damaged.
Courtney Smith, who also lives in the neighborhood, was house-sitting for her sister and said she heard fire trucks the last few days.
"I just keep hearing fire trucks go through. I don't really know. I know there have been quite a few fires in the area in the past month or so. I don't know what's going on," Smith said. "It doesn't make you feel good because that big old church is next to this house, if that goes up in flames, what happens to my sister and brother-in-law's house?"
Durham Fire Department is working with local and state officials to determine if all the fires are related.
"I hope they figure out what's going on. I don't know if it's heat related. I do know there's a lot of activity going on in the neighborhood so speculation," Smith said.
Anyone with information about the fires is urged to call Crimestoppers at 919-683-1200.
