West Siders get update on arsons, asked for help

By JOE GORMAN

jgorman@vindy.com

YOUNGSTOWN

An overflow crowd Monday received an update on a string of arsons on the lower West Side, as officials also asked for their assistance.

More than 60 people crammed into the John J. Buckley Catholic War Veterans Post 1292 on Steel Street to hear Fire Investigator Capt. Kurt Wright of the city fire department discuss the 19 arsons that began Aug. 2.

Wright said he believes at least three juvenile teenagers may be involved.

Fires have been set to mostly vacant homes and one business from Belle Vista Avenue to Salt Springs Road, concentrated on Midland and Manhattan avenues as well ones on Wellington and and Mahoning avenues.

The suspects use whatever is available at the homes to set them ablaze, often setting the fires outside, such as on the back porch, Wright said.

Security footage from homes and businesses in the area has been obtained, but most of it is low quality, he said. He asked if anyone in the crowd has additional footage that they share it with him.

Amanda Krugel, who lives in the neighborhood, urged those in the crowd to invest in some sort of security system, as she has done.

Still, she is concerned for the vacant homes on her street.

“It’s scary for all of us,” Krugel said.

The recent rotation of closed fire stations have not been a factor in fighting the fires or in the pattern of the fires, Wright said.

He said all the fires occurred when both stations on the West Side were fully staffed and open.

The only pattern Wright could detect is there is often more than one fire set at a time.

He and Chief Barry Finley drive throughout the area to keep an eye on other vacant homes when a fire is reported, he said.

“Unfortunately, there are too many for us to sit on each vacant home,” Wright said.

Police Chief Robin Lees said he has deployed additional patrols in the area, especially in the hours when most of the fires have been set, which is late evening and early morning.

The meeting was organized by Councilman Mike Ray, D-4th Ward. Also on hand was Mayor Jamael Tito Brown; Law Director Jeff Limbian; state Rep. Michele Lepore-Hagan Youngstown, D-58th; and several off-duty firefighters.

“You’re our eyes and ears in the community,” Ray told the crowd.

Brown also urged those in attendance to share any information they have with the police or the fire department.

“If you see something, if you know something, tell us,” Brown said.

After the meeting Jon Smith, who lives in the area, said he felt a lot better.

“They gave me something to look at,” Smith said.

Smith said he is not afraid but he knows several of his neighbors who are.

“I don’t like the thought of it,” Smith said.

Anyone with information can call the Fire Investigation Unit at 330-782-0055.

CrimeStoppers Youngstown has also offered a reward for information. It can be reached at 330-746-CLUE.