Van fire at same address as Springfield house fire also investigated as arson

Credit: DaytonDailyNews

Springfield Police and Fire Divisions are now investigating two arson incidents that happened at the same address within three days.

Officers responded Jan. 10 to the 1800 block of Hillside Avenue regarding a suspicious house fire that firefighters say was “a possible arson,” according to a Springfield police report.

A few days later on Jan. 13, officers responded around 9 p.m. Monday to the same address to assist the Springfield Fire Division with a “vehicle that was engulfed in a fire.”

When crews arrived, they found a 2001 Ford Aero Van on fire in the back yard that firefighters were battling.

RELATED: Cause of Hillside Avenue house fire in Springfield is under investigation

“A total of 1,250 gallons of water was needed to quench the fire,” the report says. “The fire division stated it was possibly gasoline used as an accelerant.”

Since gasoline was possibly used, the fire is believed to be an arson, according to the report.

Police were able to identify the front license plate number on the van and report it to dispatch.

“The van was a reported stolen vehicle through Springfield Police Division,” the report says.

According to the report, “the vehicle was completely burned out and is a total loss.”

The flames caused severe damage to the house.

No suspect or witness information was available.

Springfield police and fire continue their investigations into both arson incidents.

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