TOLEDO, OH (WTOL) – Crews have started tearing down five houses destroyed by three massive overnight fires Friday in south Toledo.
First, firefighters were called to a blaze that broke out at 725 Western Ave., near the Anthony Wayne Trail, at 1:43 a.m.
Shortly after, crews responded to a fire at 242 Langdon at 2:28 a.m.
Also, another fire was reported at 354 Langdon at 4:12 a.m.
The fires destroyed five homes and has left neighbors shaken.
Abigail Torrez, who lives in the neighborhood, says she believes the fires were intentionally set.
"It's been happening a lot around here. It scares me. I got abandoned houses -- three around me," said Torrez.
"Actually, it's giving the whole South End a black eye," said one resident. "People don't want to move [here] now."
A $25,000 reward, increased from $10,000 Friday, is being offered for anyone who can help investigators catch whoever is setting the fires. [City of Toledo increases reward for fire information]
Investigators say they are looking for a family, gang or group that is setting fires in mainly vacant homes.
Anyone with information that could help investigators should call CrimeStopper at 419-255-1111.
