PEORIA, Ill. – Arson fires are on the rise this year in Peoria.
The Peoria Fire Department says there have been more than 150 of them so far in 2023, a five percent increase over last year, and leaving the city on track to see more overall than last year.
“In regards to property lost, we do have that number and it’s close to $11 million that has been lost to intentionally-set fires,” said Chief Shawn Sollberger, to 25 News.
Two arson fires were reported this week – one resulted in the home collapsing, which Sollberger says made the situation extra dangerous.
Fortunately, though, he says having two K-9’s that can aid in the investigation is helping result in more arrests.
But, Sollberger says there’s a problem that develops when a home has to be demolished after a fire: the fact that spot becomes vacant land.
“Give that two, three, five years, who is maintaining the grass? Who’s supervising whether or not some people are illegally dumping tires, garbage, landscape waste on that property? That happens a lot,” Sollberger said.
Illinois does have a hotline where you can report fires being intentionally set – with awards of up to $2,500. The number is 1-800-252-2947. Arson is a felony crime in Illinois.
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