FT. MADISON, IA -- Investigators in Fort Madison suspect arson is to blame for two weekend fires.
Fort Madison firefighters say both fires happened within 24 hours and three city blocks of each other.
Fire Chief Joey Herren tells KHQA firefighters were called here to Bartlett Instrument Company around 2:30 Saturday afternoon to reports of a small fire set next to the entrance of the building.
Police say there were signs of a break-in, but fortunately the fire was contained and caused minimal damage to a wall of the building and a cooler on the property.
Then around 1:30 Sunday morning, firefighters were called to this rental home fire at 512 11th Street.
Investigators discovered the fire also had been intentionally set just outside the home near the kitchen. The home took on major damage, especially here in the kitchen area.
No one was at home at the time. Chief Herren says it is clear that both fires were intentionally set.
This second fire at 512 11th street is just 3 blocks from the first fire Saturday. That has residents in the area concerned that their neighborhood is being targeted.
Police say it's too soon to say both fires were started by the same suspect.
Police continue to investigate the suspect fires, but they need residents help to solve this case.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Fort Madison Police or Fire Departments or call the arson hotline at 1-800-523-1459.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forKHQA