State officials are focusing attention on a handful of arson fires that have occurred in the past two decades — hoping someone comes forward during Arson Awareness Week with information that could lead to arrests.  One fire happened in a Red Oak apartment building in September of 1997. An elderly woman died in the fire. Investigators determined the fire was set at two different places inside the building. While suspects were identified, there were no arrests.

The other arson fires the State Fire Marshal’s office is discussing publicly this week. One case involves a string of arson fires last year in Sioux Center. There were two different house fires in Council Bluffs as well as last year’s torching of a bowling alley in Mount Vernon that are featured.

Here is additional information on the Council Bluffs fires:

On September 10, 2013 a fire occurred at 2720 Ave. A in Council Bluffs, IA. During the investigation, racial and sexual slurs were found spray painted throughout the house. There were no signs of forced entry into the home. An accelerant canine was used during the investigation of the fire and alerted to two areas in the main bedroom of the house. The fire was determined to be arson. There were no injuries in this fire. Anyone with any information concerning these fires or any other fires in the Council Bluffs area is asked to call Fire Investigator Dan Roberts, Council Bluffs Fire Marshal’s Office 712-256-6953.

On January 16, 2015 a fire occurred at 2929 Ave. G Council Bluffs, IA. Gasoline was found poured throughout this residence and then lit on fire. Anyone with any information concerning these fires or any other fires in the Council Bluffs area is asked to call Fire Investigator Dan Roberts, Council Bluffs Fire Marshal’s Office 712-256-6953.

(Radio Iowa/IA DPS)