NEW CASTLE (KDKA) – New Castle officials are hoping to put an end to a string of recent arsons.

They believe the same person or persons are behind several recent fires.

The fire chief describes whoever’s behind the recent fires as a pure arsonist. They appear to be setting the fires for the love of fire and the excitement of putting them out.

The situation is growing more dangerous and both the mayor and the fire chief want it to come to an end now.

There have now been six suspected arsons in New Castle since the beginning of July and one attempted case that has given top officials some clues.

“Over the weekend, a house was broken into, the site of a previous fire, a large amount of gasoline was poured in the house, down the steps and in the drain,” New Castle Fire Chief Tom Maciarello said.

Maciarello said they all start that same way. Suspicious fires are all too familiar to the chief as well. In 2008, when nearly 60 fires were set the motive appeared to be stealing the copper from the homes and then starting the fire to cover their tracks.

However with the recent six arsons and one attempted, the motive is unclear.

“There’s people out there that get off on things like that. But, they don’t realize the harm that they can do in the process,” Maciarello said.

“What really concerns me is the possibility of our firefighters getting hurt,” New Cstle Mayor Anthony Mastrangelo sad.

One firefighter was injured battling a suspicious fire at the former Black Whale Bar. The city is now hoping that a $2,500 reward will be enough incentive for someone to come forward.

If you have any information that can help, you’re asked to call police.

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