Arson suspected in nine St. Petersburg fires

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ST. PETERSBURG -- Fire crews this morning are investigating nine overnight fires on the city's west side that they suspect are arson.

At least three buildings and one vehicle were damaged in the fires, which officials say started just after 11 p.m. Sunday and lasted until about 3 a.m. No injuries were reported.

St. Petersburg Fire Rescue spokesman Lt. Rick Feinberg said crews first responded to a structure fire at 11 42nd Ave. at 11:19 p.m. Less than an hour later, flames ignited inside the cab of a U-Haul box truck parked outside 3651 First Ave. S.

Then, three separate fires were reported in an alley off Fourth Avenue N between 36th Street and 58th Street. Those fires damaged a trash bin and a fence, Feinberg said. At 2:20 a.m., crews responded to 4500 Fifth Ave. S to find another trash bin ablaze. A nearby shed also caught fire.

Just as they contained those fires, Feinberg said, crews were called to 6400 1st Ave. N, a one-story home that houses a salon and spa. That fire may have started under a wooden wheelchair ramp near the alley.

Finally, at 3:07 a.m., crews responded to a vacant building at 4948 Central Ave.

No arrests have been made. Investigators say they will turn to neighbors and any possible surveillance video to pinpoint possible suspects.

"They're talking to people, checking the alleys, knocking on doors," Feinberg said. "Fortunately, nine fires and no injuries."

- Casey Cora, Times staff writer

Photo on top of story: Auracle Salone owner Anne Brunner removes some items after the fire.  The outside of her salon is shown in picture on right; click to enlarge. [Scott Keeler | Times]

Comments

[Karl]

The rumor is that this is a gang dispute.

[Jim]

This is a 'gang dispute'? Shows you the stupidity of the people in the gang. What could they possibly gain from these activities? Seems like prankster criminal kids...

[karl]

Let me phrase it differently. It is a
turf war.

[Mo]

Uh karl...who's turf war? My parents live in this area and the only way this would be a turf war would be if some can sniffing punks that probably don't really live in the neighborhood think they want to pretend they are in a gang.
My mother just called me and someone set fire this afternoon to the rugs she'd put out across the fence after cleaning them. Their wood fence, deck and pool are all damaged.
Let me catch you little punks....I bet I know some folks that can show you about real gang activity. Little snot nosed test tube babies.