String of arsons remain unsolved in Jennings - KPLC 7 News, Lake Charles, Louisiana

The fires started in June and continued until someone set four separate homes on fire in Jennings.

The Jennings Fire Department and the State Fire Marshall's Office need your help to find out who's behind the crimes.

It all started in Jennings four months ago, but the rash of arsons remains unsolved. The first call came in the early morning hours of June 23 on South Broadway Street. The rear of the home was engulfed when firefighters arrived, but that was only the beginning.

"The very next night we received an alarm on South Main Street," said Jennings Fire Chief Hulin Theriot. "This again was a single story house with no electricity. The occupant was not home at the time or not living there at the time. No other reason for this fire to start which leaves it under investigation."

And still the arsons continued. The next happened less than a week later, on June 30 just before three in the morning.

The third unsolved arson happened at a home on East Jefferson Street. Neighbors sleeping just next door say they didn't even know this home was on fire until a banging on their door alerted them of the danger.

"I had to gain my composure," said neighbor Willie Clark. "It was like waking up to this. Somebody beating on your door, like the police or whatever. Just beating. I have a lot of respect for my neighbors for that."

The fourth fire occurred at 114 Shine Alley. Like the others no one was inside when the fire started. The fire consumed the structure.

"Whether these fires are being set as problems between individuals or if it's being used as a drug habit or for whatever purpose these people are setting these houses on fire, we will actively pursue these," said Chief Theriot.

Despite many of the Jennings firefighters being volunteers, Chief Theriot says his crews are still determined to keep the community safe no matter what.

The State Fire Marshall's Office is in charge of the investigation, but if you have any information, you're asked to call the Jennings Fire Department.

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