Arsonist may be at it again in Fresno

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Fresno firefighters say an arsonist may be at it again, this time starting a series of grass fires.

The series of fires that erupted along Fresno freeways Monday night are believed to have been deliberately set. The fires started at Highway 41 and Olive, Van Ness & Belmont, Broadway & Nevada, and Highway 99 & Stanislaus.

Echo Street at Nevada is a short section of street cut off by the construction of Highway 180.

It's Fresno's oldest neighborhood. Homes here date back to the late 1800's.

The flames came down the freeway embankment Monday night, and forced the folks who live in one of the houses on the street to get out. Fire investigators say they have leads in the latest fires.

Owners of vacant properties are urged to make sure no one can get inside. Investigators from the fire department, police department even the ATF are involved, and say there are roughly two dozen registered arson offenders living in the Fresno area.