This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
After another three suspected arson fires were started in Provo city on Tuesday, a $5,000 reward is being offered to anyone who has a tip that could lead investigators to whomever has started the fires over the last few weeks.
Mayor John Curtis asked Provo residents on Wednesday for their help in identifying the arsonist who has started at least six fires since March 24.
"I need the eyes and ears of our 115,000 residents to assist in our boots-on-the-ground operation," Curtis wrote on his blog.
The mayor urges residents to call 911 if they see any suspicious activity happening in their neighborhoods, especially in areas where vacant structures exist.
Three small fires were doused early Tuesday morning — one inside a vehicle and two outside abandoned buildings.
Firefighters were first called out at about 3:40 a.m. on a report of a fire that had been set near a boarded-up abandoned building located at 5085 W. Center St. While the fire, which was set outside the home, did manage to burn portions of the abandoned building, firefighters were able to quickly knock down the flames, limiting damage, according to fire authorities.
Less than an hour later, firefighters were called to the area of 550 W. 600 South, where a car was fully engulfed in flames. At 4:55 a.m. — less than 10 minutes after the car fire was reported — a burning debris pile was reported near another abandoned home at 400 W. 500 South.
No one was injured in the blazes.
Since March 24, buildings near 10 W. 4800 North have also been set fire three separate times.
Twitter: @jm_miller