Cedar Rapids Fire Department investigating series of fires

CEDAR RAPIDS — The Cedar Rapids Fire Department is investigating six fires that were believed to be intentionally set.

City public safety spokesman Greg Buelow said that between 2:18 a.m. and 3:23 a.m. Sunday, firefighters responded to six fires in the northeast quadrant. In each case, a pile of leaves was set on fire. At one location, the fire spread to a 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix, which was destroyed. At another location, a Yardy yard waste cart was destroyed.

Cedar Rapids police officers also extinguished at least two other small fires in the area.

Buelow said an investigation by the fire department determined the fires were deliberately set. An investigation is underway, and anyone with information is asked to call the fire department 319-286-5200 or Linn County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-CS-CRIME.

Buelow said the fires were set at:

2920 Wildwood Court NE

3419 Oakland Road NE

1101 Old Marion Road NE

1208 30th St. NE

3725 Center Point Road NE

3000 Oakland Road NE

l Comments: (319) 398-8238; lee.hermiston@thegazette.com