Cops: 2 Dead, Dozens Displaced in Spike of Arsons in Central Florida

= Cops: 2 Dead, Dozens Displaced in Spike of Arsons in Central Florida = Jose M. Osorio & Megan Crepeau, Orlando Weekly

April 5, 2018

Two men have been killed and about a dozen people have lost their homes in a string of fires over the last ten days across Orange, Osceola, Brevard, and Polk counties, according to releases from police and fire officials.

Officials have not provided an official release detailing all of the locations and incidents involved in this investigation, but a source in the Orange County Fire Department indicated that as many as twelve fires reported in less than as many days are at the center of a criminal arson investigation as of today.

In the last ten days, there have been nine reported fires at businesses resulting in substantial property damages. While the authorities have not ruled out that the cases could be linked, they have stated that they have not found ties between the businesses or persons involved. They also indicate that all of the fires have taken place during night-time hours, resulting in no loss of life until recently.

Unfortunately that has changed, as two men were found dead inside a garage on 3328 S Conway Road in Orlando. Police are still conducting a death investigation, and have refused to release any other details at this time.

While the authorities have not confirmed or denied that these are specifically part of this investigation, reporters with the WEEKLY have identified that emergency services have been called to combat fires at the following addresses over the last week.

·        2487 Tradeport Dr #400, Orlando,

·        12644 Research Pkwy, Kissimmee

·        3505 Bobbi Ln, Titusville,

·        4733 Exploration Ave, Lakeland

·        7909 Hoboh Ln, Clermont

·        23725 US-27, Lake Wales