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Jeannette Police Make Headway In Arson Investigation

JEANNETTE (KDKA) -- Jeannette police are interviewing persons of interest after another fire in vacant home.

This brings the total number of suspicious fires to 12 since October.

People in Jeannette are growing understandably concerned, but police want them to know that they have gotten quite a few leads and this investigation is moving forward.

A vacant house in the 400-block of Division Street is the scene of the most recent fire. It was called in around 8:30 p.m. Thursday – the fifth time firefighters have responded to this same street in just four months.

"It's very disconcerting," Nancy Weinman said. "I like to make sure my tenants are safe and cared for and it's really scary that people are targeting these properties in Jeannette."

She owns 10 rental properties on Division Street. Her homes are all occupied and have not been hit, but she is still concerned for her tenants.

Four other fires have been reported on Division Street; two each on North 3rd, North 5th and Chambers Avenue.

Fires have also been reported on South 6th, South 12th and Chestnut Street as well as the old Monsour Medical Center on Route 30.

"It kind of makes everybody uneasy because everyone wants us to label it one way or another way type of fires they are and at this point in time there's not enough evidence to show what exactly is the cause of the fire or why the fires are happening," Jeannette Mayor Robert Carter said.

A state police fire marshal is helping with the investigation.

City officials have been asking people to be vigilant since these fires began and they say many people have called them with information. But they say many of those people have been calling days or even weeks later. It's very important that you call them immediately, if you see something suspicious.

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