Whiteville police looking for arsonist after 10 suspicious fires reported

WHITEVILLE, NC (WWAY) — Ten suspicious fires spanning five years have police on the lookout for who is starting them. Three of those fires have been set in the last six weeks.

Police Chief Jeffrey Rosier says the incidents have happened near downtown. The chief says the locations vary.

“The locations vary between businesses, residents and storage facilities,” Rosier said.

Even though the locations differ, Rosier says he believes the same person or people are involved.

“Because it’s the same MO. It’s the same course of action that’s setting the fires,” Rosier said.

Rosier said the fires start by lighting pine straw. One victim says she and her husband were inside when the fire started but were able to get out safely. No other injuries have been reported. City Manager Darren Currie says people need to be on alert.

“Notice what’s going on in your neighborhood,” Currie said. “If you see a car that normally doesn’t belong there jot down a tag number and call it in. It may not be anything but that may be the very person that we’re looking for.”

Currie added some neighborhoods are taking matters into their own hands.

“This past weekend two of the neighborhoods have gotten together and began to form more of a city watch or a neighborhood watch,” Currie said.

Police have developed a task force and got the SBI and Columbus County Sheriff’s Office on board to help as well.