Local

Union City investigating rash of arsons

UNION CITY, Ga. — Union City fire investigators believe they're close to catching the five teenagers they believe are responsible for setting a series of brush fires around town.

Over the past month, firefighters have had to deal with more than 30 fires around town. Most have been brush fires, but arsonists also burned down an abandoned house last week.

Fire investigators said they have identified five teenagers, ages 13 to 18, and believe they are involved in the brush fires, including one set behind a Flat Shoals Road convenience store captured on surveillance video.

"This is very serious and something we need to stop," said Union City Fire Lt. Dennis Moore. "This is something we take very serious. It's not a game. It's not fun."

Surveillance video shows three teens walking into the woods behind the store and minutes later, the brush fire flares up. Later on, the video shows firefighters arriving to douse the flames.

Residents in the Oakley Commons subdivision have seen several of the brush fires. Many want them to stop.

"I just think it's pathetic," Oease Fitzgerald said. "They have no value for anybody's health of safety."

Investigators think the teens are setting the fires for fun. They hope to make arrests before the end of the week.

The Metro Arson Task Force is offering up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

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