Arson investigators this morning are working to track down the person who’s responsible for setting at least five fires overnight in Roscoe Village and North Center. No injuries were reported in the fires, which were set in dumpsters behind homes and businesses.
The fire spree strongly resembles the work of an at-large arsonist who is responsible for setting a series of blazes in Lakeview and Lincoln Park since October.
Police and fire personnel responded to the first overnight fire around 11:30 p.m. in an alley behind the 3200 block of North Leavitt. The fire was quickly extinguished.
Beginning at 3:20 a.m., a series of trash can and dumpster fires were found burning. One in the 1800 block of West Eddy; another in the 1700 block of West Cornelia; and two on the 3400 block of North Lincoln.
Police searching for the arsonist found the two Lincoln Avenue fires moments after they were set. Officers were able to pull the burning receptacles away from nearby structures to prevent larger fires.
No description is available of the offender. No arrests have been made.
Previous coverage
- Cops hunt arsonist who set 6 fires overnight (Oct. 6)
- Arson fire in Lakeview may be linked to recent spree (Oct. 31)
- 8th arson fire set in Lakeview overnight (Nov. 2)
- Lakeview: Overnight fire investigated in area hit by arson spree this autumn (Dec. 16)
- Cops: After 6-week break, Lakeview’s serial arsonist struck again on Saturday (Dec 17)