Rochester, N.Y. - A fire on Trafalgar Street ruined three houses Friday, and firefighters say that although it’s suspicious, it’s probably not for the insurance!
They say an increasing number of arson fires in the city are related to some other form of crime, because current law makes collecting insurance too difficult.
Fire fighters on the scene said they're seeing a lot of fires in vacant homes. They say getting to the reason behind the arson is the hard part.
Investigators say sometimes it's gang activity. "Other times it's retribution,” said Battalion Chief Chuck Stadler of the RFD. “Whether it's one person that wants to do this or it's drug activity or crime activity--we're not really sure right now.”
Stadler said neighbors can play a big part in preventing fires in vacant houses in the city by keeping their eye out in their own neighborhoods.
He said if people see anything suspicious, they should call 911.
Fire Spread Fast
Rochester, N.Y. --Friday's early morning fire at Trafalgar St. around engulfed one house in flames and quickly spread to two more houses.
Investigators said no one was living in the house where the fire started, but it was recently purchased and was being renovated.
Previous criminal activity at the house helped lead investigators to believe the cause was arson. A shooting and firebombing took place at that home several months ago.
One of the neighboring houses must now be torn down. The elderly woman and her son who lived there escaped safely, but their home was destroyed. The other neighboring house was also heavily damaged.
Two homes were torn down Friday.
Rural/Metro Medical Services say they treated two firefighters with minor injuries. The Red Cross is providing emergency assistance to the families affected by the fire.
