(This story was updated to add new information.)
JACKSON TWP. – Local and state authorities are asking for the public’s assistance as an arson investigation regarding separate carport fires Feb. 10 and 11 is underway.
Denny Tan, a fire inspector for the Jackson Township Fire Department, said the blazes scorched two carports at nearby apartment buildings, causing the loss of 14 vehicles, including one motorcycle.
One blaze broke out about 3 p.m. Feb. 10 at Lake Cable Village Apartments, 4842 South Blvd. NW, while another fire was reported shortly after 7 p.m. Feb. 11 at 5625 Lasater St. NW, which is also part of the apartment complex. One minor injury was reported.
“Arson is definitely being looked at here,” Tan said.
Jackson fire inspectors and police, in addition to the Ohio fire marshal and Explosion Investigations Bureau, are participating in the ongoing arson investigation, according to a news release from the fire marshal’s office.
Krista Olszewski, a resident at Lake Cable apartments since last summer, said her 2016 Kia Soul was destroyed in the Feb. 11 fire.
“It could have been worse and spread to the apartments,” she said on the morning of Feb. 12. “We were really scared.”
Olszewski said she and neighboring residents have not been displaced from the blaze.
Danielle Novak, managing director of Lake Cable apartments, told The Independent Feb. 12 that the fires were “quite a shock” to residents and employees. She said messages have been sent to residents seeking any information related to the fires to assist the investigation.
“It’s a bit of a mess, and hopefully it gets figured out soon,” Novak said. “We’re thankful no one (here) was hurt.”
The Blue Ribbon Arson Committee is offering a reward up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the responsible party or parties.
Anyone with information is asked to call the state fire marshal’s tip line at 800-589-2728or the Jackson police department at 330-832-1553.
Reach Steven Grazier at steven.grazier@indeonline.com. On X (formerly Twitter): @sgrazierINDE
This article originally appeared on The Independent: Arson investigators looking into carport fires in Jackson Township
Reporting by Steven M. Grazier, Massillon Independent / The Independent
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
