Five home fires in NH believed to be arson
A spat of home fires in Manchester, New Hampshire, are believed to have been perpetrated by arsonists, according to local television news station WMUR.
Authorities told the station they are investigating five house fires, the latest one occurring August 8 on 336 North Dame Avenue.
"It was reportedly boarded up, but apparently they were able to gain entry," said Manchester fire chief James Burkush in an interview with the source. "The fire was a heavy fire on the first floor."
He added that his crew has attended to four other home fires in the area since August 5, but they all appear to be unrelated.
Al Poulin, district chief for the department, told WMUR a total of 48 homes were intentionally set on fire in 2010 and 38 are under arson investigation this year.
Homeowners insurance companies provide coverage for property owners victimized by arson. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, arson is the leading cause of fires, accounting for $1.4 billion in property loss each year. Most intentional fires are set outdoors, but 30 percent of them target structures.
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