State fire marshal investigating Prichard fires

PRICHARD, Ala. (WALA) - Wednesday the State Fire Marshal said his office has launched an investigation in to a string of fires in Prichard.

The office will be investigating the nine fires that have happened in the city in the past six weeks.

Meanwhile, the community said it wants answers.

"I just want to know what's going on with all the fires that's going on around here," said Jasmine Tucker.

Many citizens are suspicious especially Bishop Arthur Holmes. His building was burned down on May 7.

"We haven't heard anything from the fire department. They ask us what might have happened," said Holmes.

The Alabama State Fire Marshal’s Office was called to the scene when his building went up in flames. They said when they arrived the structures has already been raised.

The State Fire Marshal Ed Paulk said he now personally asked the fire chief not to do this again.

"It’s virtually impossible to investigate when the scene is gone," said Paulk.

Three deputies from his office are now looking into all nine fires and will be on the scene if another one occurs.

"Maybe we can get some real answers," said Tucker.

Prichard Mayor Ron Davis issued this statement today in regards to the investigation.

"I am working with the Fire and Police Departments to catch the individual that are responsible for these fires. More details will be given soon. I don't believe that these are electrical fires but they are being investigated.”

Some said this effort isn’t enough.

"I really don't see any remorse. The spirit I see is we hope to see these buildings gone,” said Holmes.

Paulk has arranged a face to face meeting with the Prichard fire chief and requested more information on all of the fires.