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A fire that destroyed four North Garfield Avenue homes early last month and sparked a controversy over the number of faulty city fire hydrants has been ruled arson.
Fire Chief Harvey Applegate said the Feb. 4 fire was set on back stairs at 344 N. Garfield Ave. and spread from there.
A definite V burn pattern and the amount of fire when firefighters arrived indicate arson, he said.
There was too much of a volume of fire not to be arson, Chief Applegate said.
The arsonist used a flammable liquid to set the fire.
The case remains open and there are no suspects at this time, he said.
The home at 344 N. Garfield was vacant. That house and occupied homes at 342 N. Garfield, 348 N. Garfield and Rear 344 N. Garfield were all destroyed in the two-alarm fire. In addition, a two-unit building at 338-340 N. Garfield Ave. was heavily damaged. There was also damage to 350 N. Garfield Ave.
At least 22 people lived in the various homes, four of which were torn down by the city 342, 344, 348 and the rear of 344.
A firefighter estimated he wasted 30 to 45 minutes looking for a working hydrant. The delay may have contributed to the extensive amount of damage, he said.
Chief Applegate said the fire was so advanced by the time firefighters arrived at the scene that the delay of the one hose made little difference.
The fire led to questions about how many other fire hydrants in the city arent working and a Times-Tribune newspapers revelation that a city hydrant inspector hadnt been doing his job for months.
City officials provided the newspapers a list compiled last May that had 239 problem hydrants on it. At first, they had problems pinning down how many hydrants didnt work. Eventually, they settled on about 140 about 80 that needed to be replaced and 60 that only needed repairs.
Faced with demands for action by the City Council and outraged citizens, Mayor Jim Connors two weeks ago said he would spend federal community development money to get the hydrants fixed quickly.
The work is expected to be done by next week.
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