Arson Investigators Probing Series of Early-Morning Fires

Between 1:56 a.m. and 6:51 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, firefighters from Redlands, Loma Linda and San Bernardino County fire departments responded to six fires investigators believe are acts of arson. Firefighters from San Bernardino City and Colton also responded to provide additional resources if needed. The first fire was reported at 1:56 a.m. in an alley in the 1200 block of Tribune Street. The fire burned vegetation, a fence, refuse and some furniture which was stored outside. The second fire was reported at 2:34 a.m. in front of a garage in an alley in the 1100 block of Alta Street and damaged the building and items stored in and around the building. The third fire was reported at 2:39 a.m. in front of a garage in an alley in the 800 block of North Church Street. That fire damaged the building and items stored in and around the building. The fourth fire was discovered at 2:45 a.m. in the 900 block of Lombard Street by firefighters responding to the fire on North Church Street. The fire was set inside of a vehicle and caused significant smoke and heat damage to the interior. The fifth fire was reported at 6:51 a.m. in an alley in the 800 block of Post Street. The fire had been set earlier in the morning but was not discovered until after sunrise. The fire burned vegetation and debris near an out building. The sixth fire was reported at 7:45 a.m. in an alley in the 1000 block of Tribune Street. This fire also had been set earlier but was not discovered until after sunrise. An automobile was burned in this incident. There were no civilian or firefighter injuries reported from any of the fires. Property and contents loss estimates are not available at this time. Investigators have determined all six fires were intentionally set and the investigation is ongoing. Investigators believe the fires were all set between the hours of 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. Anyone with information on any fires in this area is asked to contact the Redlands Fire Department Investigation Unit at 909-798-7600.