String of arsons one of city's worst

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Residents who live along and around Marine Street near downtown Mobile are becoming all too familiar with fires in their neighborhood.

Fire officials said it’s possibly the worst they have had to deal with in decades.

Since 2009, fire investigators said more than 30 homes have been torched down in a five-by-eight block area known by locals as ‘Down the Bay.’

Steve Huffman with the MFRD said when it comes to an arsonist, “There are a number of motives that investigators look at. You've got those that do it for money; profit. Those that are thrill seekers. Then there are those that do it to cover up another crime.”

Residents in the area around Marine Street believe the arsons are retaliation; an ongoing feud between several parties.

FOX10 News has confirmed several of the homes set ablaze are owned by the same person but officials said the pattern changed.

Several homes, investigators said, had no known connection to anything.

Many residents chose to speak about the fires under the condition of anonymity. Many said they were fearful and would rather just not get involved.

“It makes you nervous because there are a lot of children in the area and you never know who is staying and who is outside or nearby the house,” said one woman.

Fire officials are reminding the public they can remain anonymous when reporting any information about the fires.

Investigators are asking anyone with information to please call the Arson Hotline at 208-MFRD, the Bureau of Fire Prevention at 208-7484 or you can leave information on Twitter @arsontip.