Investigators with the Ohio Fire Marshal’s Office have ruled two recent carport fires at Jackson Township apartment complexes as arson and are asking for the public’s help in identifying those responsible.
According to a media release issued Thursday, the State Fire Marshal’s Fire and Explosion Investigations Bureau, along with the Jackson Township Fire and Police departments, are investigating fires that occurred at two separate apartment complexes.
The first fire was reported at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, at 4842 South Blvd. NW. The second happened at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, at 5625 Lasaer St. NW.
In addition to damage to the carports, several vehicles parked inside were destroyed. One individual experienced a minor injury.
John Flanders, a resident at Lake Cable Village Apartments, said he discovered his 2002 Honda Odyssey minivan on fire Wednesday after hearing a car alarm and going outside to investigate.
After checking nearby vehicles and seeing no visible activity, Flanders said he entered the carport and found his van’s alarm sounding. When he opened the passenger-side door, he saw flames coming from the front driver’s seat area.
“I grabbed a fire extinguisher and tried to put it out, but it only lasted about two seconds,” Flanders said. “By the time I got back with another one, it was fully engulfed.”
Flanders said the carport had been a well-constructed structure with a solid roof and walls, but it is now severely damaged, with parts of the roof collapsed and metal supports fallen.
He said he was unaware of a separate fire at the complex the day before until later that evening.
Flanders expressed frustration over what he described as a lack of security cameras in the area and said he hopes investigators are able to determine who is responsible so charges can be filed and restitution pursued.
“It’s scary,” he said. “What if it would’ve been our apartment building instead of the carport?”
Flanders said the incident has accelerated plans for his family to move.
A reward of up to $5,000 is being offered through Ohio Arson Reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. Anyone with information is asked to contact the State Fire Marshal’s tip line at 800-589-2728 or the Jackson Township Police Department at 330-832-1553. All tips will be thoroughly investigated.
Lake Cable Village Apartments did not provide a statement.
