Albany Fire Department investigating 2 arsons, and offers advice on reducing them

The two fires happened with in one block of each other on the same street Sunday morning.

ALBANY, Ga. – The Albany Fire Department (AFD) suspect they may have an arsonist at work, with two suspicious fires set moments apart and in close proximity to one another. So far this year AFD has investigated a total of 8 fires that have been labeled as arson, according to Assistant Fire Chief Ken Turner. The two most recent being on West Society Avenue Sunday morning.

A call came in to the Albany Fire Department a quarter to 9 at the 100 block of West Society Avenue. When firefighters arrived on the scene they found a roll up door at the old ice factory on fire. About a half hour later crews responded to the 200 block of West Society Avenue where a vacant house was found going up in flames.

Fortunately no one was injured in either of the fires. Tuesday afternoon we talked with Assistant Fire Chief Ken Turner who tells me that arson’s can not so much be prevented, but rather reduced.

“If somebody wants to physically try to burn down your property, they’re going to attempt it. So you can’t truly prevent it.” said Chief Turner.

Chief Turner gave a few tips on how to reduce arson such as making sure your property is clean, and not filled with debris or overgrown bushes which are flammable.

“If the building is an unoccupied building, you want to make sure that all the windows and doors are locked and keep them from gaining entry to the building or your property.” Chief Turner added.

The best thing you can do to reduce arsons from taking place in your neighborhood is to simply keep a watchful eye out for out of the norm activity.

“Be vigilant and watch out for each other, and if you see something that’s suspicious, sometimes it is. Report it as soon as possible.” said Chief Turner.

Chief Turner adds that arsonists usually like to light fires quickly and then run and hide, which is why he suggests keeping your property clean of overgrown trees, shrubs and debris.

Should you have information that could help arson investigators, give the Albany Fire Department at (229) 431-3262.

South Georgia Television News will bring you the latest information on the investigations as it unfolds on-air and online.