C.R. apartment fires 'intentionally set'

CEDAR RAPIDS - The Cedar Rapids Fire Department on Saturday afternoon contained four separate fires that officials said were intentionally set by an unknown suspect at Cedarwood Hills Apartments.

According to the department's spokesman Greg Buelow, the fires were reported shortly after 2 p.m. in two buildings at 2040 Glass Rd. NE and 2050 Glass Rd. NE.

Buelow said at least six engine companies, a ladder truck, and a rescue unit arrived on scene for what they anticipated might be two separate working fires. However, firefighters discovered four separate fires that appeared to be intentionally set.

At 2040 Glass Rd., Buelow said firefighters found a wreath set on fire, hanging from an apartment door. At 2050 Glass Rd., firefighters found three separate objects, including carpeting, set on fire inside the building.

All four fires were contained, and there was no structural damage, Buelow said. Residents were inside both buildings at the time, but the fires did not spread and there were no injuries.

Buelow said anyone with information about the fires should contact the Cedar Rapids Fire Department at (319) 286-5200 or the statewide Arson Hotline at (800)-532-1459.

A suspect would face arson charges, he said.