City of Toledo increases reward to $25K for arson information

TOLEDO, OH (WTOL) - Following two fires last night in the South End, Toledo fire investigators and police have increased the reward for information to $25,000 using money from the Law Enforcement Trust Fund.

Investigators have reported 80 suspicious fires in 2010, according to the mayor's office. Many of these are suspected arsons and are the subject of ongoing investigation by the Toledo Fire and Rescue Investigative Unit. They continue to work with a task force that includes representatives from the FBI, Ohio Fire Marshal, and ATF in addition to Toledo Police. The fires present a danger to innocent citizens as well as to the firefighters who respond.

"We know there are people out there with information about who is starting these fires," said Michael Wolever, Chief of Toledo Fire and Rescue. "These are not individual instances - there is a connection between these fires and we need help in putting an end to them before someone is seriously harmed. We're hoping that by increasing the reward, someone will be compelled to come forward with information."

Anyone with information regarding recent fires is urged to call CrimeStopper at 419-255-1111. Callers may remain anonymous and information leading to the arrest and conviction of individuals involved may be worth up to a $25,000 reward.

The addresses the unit is investigating include: