Damage estimated at $150K in string of Ohio fires

LANCASTER, Ohio (AP) — A fire investigator estimates there’s at least $150,000 in damage from more than a dozen fires that broke out in one central Ohio community within a couple of hours.

Dave Ward, assistant Lancaster fire chief, tells the Lancaster Eagle-Gazette it’s “pretty obvious” the fires early Thursday were deliberately set, though they have not been confirmed as arsons.

The newspaper reports authorities aren’t sure about possible motives.

The fires burned homes, a garage, cars and trash bins, all within a 12-block radius. A fire captain described the scene as “a war zone.”

No injuries were reported.

Ward says investigators are trying to determine what started the fires.