String of Tulare fires leave investigators searching for suspected arsonist

TULARE, Calif. (KFSN) -- A string of fires in Tulare has left police and fire departments searching for the person responsible.

The four fires happened near Prosperity Avenue between Hillman and Brentwood Street, all within a mile of each other.

The Tulare Fire Department says it's very possible for one person to have biked or walked to each location. Now they are on the lookout for a possible arsonist.

The proximity of the fires has led them to believe someone was purposely lighting the flames.

The department responded to three dumpster fires and a grass fire between 11 and 11:45 Tuesday night.

"So, we do suspect it was the same person, at least lighting the three dumpster fires. We are still investigating to see if all of them are tied, and the grass fire was across the street and next to the freeway," explained Division Chief Tulare City Fire, Rodney Roberts.

Although the damage from the fires is minimal, the concern isn't just what the suspected arsonist already did but rather what they might do next.

"People that light trash on fire, they usually start out there. And they usually go out to light bigger things. And that's what we look out for. We wanna make contact with that person and, hopefully, take them off the streets so they're not doing that in the future," Chief Roberts mentioned.

Unfortunately, Chief Roberts says the department gets called out to dumpster fires weekly.

Back-to-back fires like these happen about once every three months.

The Tulare Police Department says if someone is caught, they could face a serious felony charge.

"If we are able to determine that they are arson, we take this very seriously. I know the fire department does as well, and the investigation will be conducted, and if somebody is identified, you are going to be arrested and seek prosecution, we will definitely seek prosecution regarding any damages," said Sgt. Rosa Moreno with the Tulare Police Department.

The Tulare Fire Department is currently investigating the fires. That includes reviewing videos from local businesses.

If you have any information about these fires, you're asked to call the Tulare Fire Department at (559) 684-4308.

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