KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) officers responded to fires at 2 vacant houses early Wednesday morning, called in about 10 minutes apart.
The first — on Humphry St — was called in at 1:36 a.m. and knocked down in 15 minutes. The second — a house on Sherwood Ave — was reported at 1:44 a.m. and took 3 times as long to bring under control, according to KDPS.
Both crews were met with heavy smoke and flames, but no one was hurt.
The KDPS Fire Marshall is investigating both incidents. The department says these fires are the latest in a recent increase in blazes across the city.
“We want the public to know that our investigation is thorough and ongoing," stated Fire Marshal Scott Brooks. "Our primary focus is on ensuring the safety of our residents and preventing any further incidents. We are grateful that no one has been harmed, and we are leaving no stone unturned in our efforts to find those responsible."
Investigators are asking people living near the recent fires to check their home surveillance cameras for any footage that could provide clues to how the fires started.
Tips that lead to the arrest and conviction of a person responsible for the fires could lead to a $1,000 reward.
If you have information that could help, please call Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at (269) 488-8911 or Silent Observer at 343-2100
