Petersburg Fire Dept. investigating 4th suspicious fire

PETERSBURG, VA (WWBT) - The smell of smoke is all too familiar in Petersburg as another house is destroyed in what officials are calling a 'suspicious fire.'

"I knew something was happening." Robin Jarratt said.

Jarratt and Jewel Mayfield heard emergency crews racing to the house in the 800 block of Washington Street just before 6:30 a.m on Saturday. The two say it's a sound they will never forget.

"I was outside smoking a cigarette and they came blaring by here. I have never heard it that loud. Then the ambulances and things came." Jarratt said.

Officials believe the fire started in the rear of the vacant house, destroying the home built in the early 1900's.

Making it even more of a mystery, there is no power or utilities to the home, leading investigators to believe someone must have started the fire. Just like the other three.

"I would describe it as a pretty nice area. Nobody bothers me and I live right down there at Washington Columns." Jewel Mayfield said.

This is the same area where three suspicious fires - two considered arson - took place over the last few weeks.

"Devastating. They have had four already. I think that it's squatters." Jarratt said.

Those other three destroyed homes is just walking distance away leaving many residents asking themselves, is my home next?

"I get really nervous when the fire is getting right next to us. It really bothers us." Jarratt said.

Officials say there were no injuries.

If you have any information about any of the recent fires, call the Petersburg Fire Department, you can remain anonymous

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