Two fires reported in Auburn within 15 minutes Thursday; man arrested

Two fires broke out early Thursday in Auburn within 15 minutes and a mile apart, according to Valley Regional Fire Authority.

Auburn police said the fires were likely arsons and arrested a man in his 20s they’ve been looking for the past few months.

Since October, 17 arson fires have been reported in the city. All but two were in the north end where Thursday’s fires occurred. The other two were in Auburn’s south end.

The first blaze Thursday was a boat fire reported about 1:10 a.m. in the 3500 block of I Street Northeast. Crews quickly doused flames on the 12-foot boat.

About 1:25 a.m., a smoke alarm in the 1200 block of 43rd Street Northeast alerted a family to a fire in their 2,300-square-foot home.

A couple, a child and a grandmother escaped the two-story house before firefighters arrived. The grandmother and child were treated for smoke inhalation.

The blaze caused minor damage but the family will be able to live in the home, the Fire Authority said.

Police said the man who lit the fires used accelerants found at the scenes. He’s been linked to 8-15 arson fires, Commander Mike Hirman said.

This story was originally published January 14, 2016 at 5:44 AM with the headline "Two fires reported in Auburn within 15 minutes Thursday; man arrested."