Police believe arsonist setting fire to Orlando homes

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando fire officials are investigating three suspicious vacant house fires that were set within six hours of each other overnight.

Two of the fires started in Colonialtown and the third was on Washington Street in Thornton Park.

The home on Washington Street was hit twice in the last two weeks, investigators said.

"There's a lot of foot traffic late at night. There's a lot of absentee landlords and some homes that have been vacant quite a while," said one resident.

"(I) saw no smoke," said neighbor Kerry McGovern. "Heard nothing, saw nothing. It's very scary. Puts you on edge quite a bit."

Fire officials believe an arsonist is to blame and they're asking the public for help in identifying a suspect.

"It's very callous," said McGovern. "It's just very concerning. It's these homes are older. A lot of them are made of wood. It's just very risky for those of us living in the area, and it's dangerous for everybody."

Anyone with information is asked to contact authorities.

WFTV