Fire marshal still investigating fires

PRICHARD, Ala. (WALA) - Alabama Fire Marshal Ed Paulk confirms his office is still investigating several arson cases in Prichard. So far there have been no arrests.  Paulk declined to comment on the details of the investigations.

Prichard Fire Chief Mark Trenier was not available for comment.

It’s been more than two weeks since the most recent fire on June 1 2 on McGee Street. Neighbors reported seeing smoke and in a matter of minutes the entire home was engulfed.

FOX10 asked Fire Marshal, Edward Paulk why it seems the arson outbreak in Prichard has slowed down.

"Anything that I come with there would just be pure speculation. And until we identify who's responsible, it would be pure speculation on my part," said Paulk.

The Harlem Duke building burned down about two months ago. The debris has been cleared away. But that isn't the case on Wilson Avenue. The fire debris from the three buildings that burned down more than a month ago is still there.

A barber shop is located right beside fire debris. The owner, Terry Gibbs said he is working on  improving on his own building, despite the rubble next door.

"You have to keep in mind that some people have only seen Prichard in its current condition and to imagine something bigger and greater there would certainly a boost in morale," said Gibbs.