Auburn investigators suspect serial arsonist responsible for fires overnight

Three fires that broke out in Auburn likely were the work of a serial arsonist sought in 11 earlier fires, investigators said Thursday.

The first blaze happened about 1:45 a.m. Thursday at a duplex in the 3000 block of M Drive Northeast. Valley Regional Fire crews said they limited the damage to the garage.

The fire occurred in the side of the duplex that was empty. A man who lives in the other side of the duplex reported the fire.

The second fire was reported at 2:33 a.m. outside a home in the 1200 block of 30th Street Northeast. A cardboard box on the porch was set on fire.

A third fire was reported at 5:58 a.m. inside a minivan in the 3000 block of M Drive Northeast near the first fire. Valley Regional Fire Authority said the fire burned itself out. The minivan was a total loss.

No one was hurt.

Detectives said that since early October, 13 homes and a vehicle have been set on fire, including Thursday’s fires. Most occurred in the northern end of the city, but two of the cases happened in the southern end.

All the fires are under investigation.

Wednesday night, more than 100 people packed a gym to question police and fire officials about the string of arsons. Homeowners were told to watch what they put outside and make sure there’s no loose debris that can catch fire.

A second meeting is scheduled next week.

This story was originally published November 19, 2015 at 5:56 AM with the headline "Auburn investigators suspect serial arsonist responsible for fires overnight."