CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is assisting the Gary police and fire departments investigating a series of what are believed to have been arson fires.
Gary firefighters, along with crews from Lake and Porter counties, were scrambling to keep up with fires in vacant homes Saturday night into early Sunday. According to Fire Chief Sean O'Donnell, there were blazes at 17 vacant buildings in 11 different locations.
This is the second time in two weeks where Gary has had multiple fire suspected to have been arson.
Mayor Jerome Prince said specialists with the ATF are now assisting.
"It was in our best interest to seek and bring in all the resources that we possibly could," he said.
Fire Chief Sean O’Donnell said each of the fires is considered suspicious. He said vacant buildings with no gas or electric don’t spontaneously combust.
"To the public, it may appear that these fires could be the result of foul play. We understand that," O'Donnell said. "This isn't a television show or movie where we will quickly be able to connect the dots and determine who done it. This will take time and extensive effort from our team of investigators, and we hope to come to a conclusion based on the facts gathered during the investigative process."
ATF Special Agent in Charge Brendan Iber said they’re asking for help from the public.
"We are going to ask today for the public's assistance in these rash of fires," he said.
Officials said if residents see any suspicious vehicles, they should take down a license plate number in case it's needed later.
Anyone with information is asked to call 888-ATF-FIRE or email ATFtips@ATF.gov. To remain anonymous, call 866-CRIME-GP.
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