ALBANY, Ore. (AP) — Firefighters in Albany, Ore., have responded to the ninth vacant house arson since Oct. 22. City officials announced late Friday they are moving to protect high-risk vacant properties.
Fire department spokeswoman Wanda Omdahl says the Friday morning blaze destroyed the latest house. Omdahl says the home owner was getting the $125,000 house ready to sell. The houses on either side of the vacant home were evacuated. No injuries were reported.
City officials say police, fire and building division personnel will begin securing high-risk vacant properties on Monday. They also asked for help from the public in finding the arsonist.
City spokeswoman Marilyn Smith says a 21-year-old Albany man was arrested in mid-November in connection with two of the fires.
