Fire Dep't warns area about recent arsons

Philadelphia Fire Department officials have issued a rare public warning to West Philadelphia residents following a series of arson fires in the area since August 4. No one has been injured in any of the blazes. In a letter being placed in off-campus mailboxes this morning, Fire Department Commissioner Harold Hairston told residents that most of the 18 fires were set between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. when residents were asleep, adding to the risk of a tragedy. "Many of these fires have involved apartment buildings, where a fire in the middle of the night can place a large number of residents in great peril," he explained in the letter. Fire Department Captain Henry Dolberry said the blazes, which were generally set in hallways or basements, have struck an area extending along Chestnut and Pine streets from 43rd to 49th streets. "When you have this many fires in so short a time and in so dense an area, it's cause for concern," Dolberry said. "The community needs to be aware that it has to help itself be safe." He added that Fire Department officials suspect all of the blazes may be the work of a single arsonist. In the letter, Hairston -- who has directed area fire companies to immediately meet with apartment building managers -- stressed the following safety tips: · Never admit strangers into your building. · Make sure all doors lock after you enter and leave the building. · Contact police immediately if you see suspicious people or activities near your building. · Always keep utility rooms and storage areas locked. · Rubbish and other combustibles should be stored in proper containers and disposed of promptly. This is especially important in hallways, basements, storage areas and utility rooms. In addition, Hairston asked area residents to call the Fire Department's Arson Hotline at 922-6000 with any information on who might be responsible for the fires.