An arsonist set a series of fires in Lincoln Park and Lakeview early Monday, according to Chicago police. No injuries were reported in connection with the fires which broke out in the same area where a rash of arson cases was reported last autumn.
The overnight fires are believed to be the work of the same arsonist, according to a source. The firebug apparently started two of the blazes by igniting discarded mattresses near garage structures. Two other fires were set to trash receptacles.
Fires were reported: today
- Around 12:40 a.m. on the 2600 block of North Burling. A garage and vehicle were burned after fire was set to a discarded mattress.
- Around 12:58 a.m., after a dumpster was ignited behind the 2800 block of North Broadway. This fire was set less than 20 feet from where another dumpster was set ablaze on November 2.
- Around 3:40 a.m. on the 600 block of West Arlington. This fire also involved a mattress being ignited next to a garage.
- Around 4:50 a.m. when a dumpster was set on fire behind the 2400 block of North Lincoln.
Investigators who arrested a man for allegedly setting a series of fires on the Far North Side around Christmastime said in their reports that the man may be responsible for the arson pattern in Lakeview and Lincoln Park two months earlier.
That man, Christopher Slattery, is on electronic monitoring, according to Cook County Sheriff’s Office records. But some cops who are familiar with the case believe another person is responsible for setting the fires in Lakeview and Lincoln Park last year.
Police last autumn issued a community alert about the unsolved arson cases in which they advised residents to secure city garbage cans and to keep large or bulky items such as boxes and furniture indoors until pick-up day.
