arson firegeezer on 15 Aug 2008 09:14 am
Roving Arsonist In Utica
UTICA, NEW YORK, SUFFERED ITS 28th ARSON of this year last night. A fire started in an apartment building that was being renovated after being torched less than a year ago.
Observer-Dispatch photo
Investigators were quick to determine that last night’s blaze was intentionally set, also. The fire was reported at 9:21 am in the front portion of the building. It then burned into the second floor and eventually through the roof. Since the vacant building had solvents and other hazardous materials used in construction inside, coupled with the fact that the building had previous fire damage to the structure, the FD stayed outside for the attack.
Observer-Dispatch
The Utica Arson Task Force was on the scene beginning an active investigation. On Tuesday they announced that they had apprehended 5 juveniles in connection with three arsons earlier this year (STORY).
Also, the Observer-Dispatch is reporting (HERE) that the area Arson Task Force is strengthening its force and encompassing some resources in the Utica area. The city is also implementing a plan to board up the first floor of every vacant building in the city and tear down any structure that is damaged beyond rehabilitation. Utica has long been known for having one of the nation’s worst arson problems.
WKTV Utica Ch. 2 has this video report:
