Visalia firefighters say at least seven fires were set intentionally

VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- Firefighters in Visalia say at least seven fires were all intentionally set. The fires happened in the area of Main and Cain Streets. Firefighters believe someone was walking along the Millcreek Canal starting the blazes.

Millcreek Canal near Main Street and Cain Street is now dotted with charred vegetation. Visalia fire was called to the canal on Tuesday after the fires were threatening businesses nearby.

Battalion Chief Danny Wristen with the Visalia Fire Department said, "Several fires all in a quarter mile of each other all started at the exact same time very suspicious."

Wristen says they talked with several people who they think might be connected to the fires. They're hoping more leads will help them make an arrest. He says they're lucky the fires weren't started in the summer because the vegetation would have been dry, fueling the blaze.

Firefighters say arson can be one of the hardest crimes to investigate. If you know anything you should call the fire department.