Fire officials investigating string of fires at downtown West Palm Beach condo high-rise

WEST PALM BEACH — City fire officials are probing a string of suspicious fires at a luxury condo tower from over the weekend, saying a possible arsonist appears to be escalating efforts to set damaging blazes.

The fires were set between Sunday and Monday at The Strand at 255 Evernia St., said West Palm Beach Fire-Rescue Chief Phil Webb.

They caused no injuries or significant damage to the building, but authorities are concerned a future arson attempt might prove more destructive.

Firefighters are taking the possibility so seriously that they are spending time familiarizing themselves with the high-rise building, in case they have to rush in while it's on fire, Webb said. Fire officials and police also were meeting with the condo tower's property managers, who are tightening security.

The first fire was set about 9 p.m. on Sunday. Firefighters called to the building found burned paper on one floor, Webb said.

Hours later, at 11:55 p.m., firefighters were called back to the building. They spotted flames licking upward from the roof as they approached.

Rushing upstairs, they found a piece of plastic patio furniture burning on the rooftop and a small fire in a nearby bathroom trash can, Webb said. They put the fires out and called investigators to the building.

The next day, about 9 p.m., firefighters were called once more to the building, where they found a Chrysler 300 burning in the garage. It looked like someone had lit a small fire in the car's wheel well, Webb said. A resident spotted the fire and put it out with an extinguisher.

Anyone with information about the fires can call Crime Stoppers at 800-458-TIPS stay anonymous and be eligible for up to $1,000 REWARD!

(source: palmbeachpost.com)