Anytime small fires are set they are a concern. But when it is near an elementary school or a densely populated area the level of concern by investigators rises dramatically.

Several small fires have been set in and around Edith Moulton Park between 108th Ave N.E. and 405. One fire was on the boundary between the park and Helen Keller Elementary School.

“Over the last several months there have been several small profile fires,” said Fire investigation Det. Barry Pomeroy, who would not divulge specifics about the investigation, like exactly how many fires had been set. “We are focusing on the criminal aspects and we have some leads. But we will have some people in plain clothes hanging out up there.”

The fires have been ruled arson and are not tied to accidental causes. None of the fires have been life threatening but Pomeroy said that it is a concern for the community when there are repetitive fires. The fires have persisted at least since the summer months.

“We are staying in contact with school administrators,” said Pomeroy. “We are helping them with prevention.”

Pomeroy said that the investigators are working with school officials to help prevent the fires from continuing or escalating. About 30 homes immediately border the park without a two-lane road as a barrier.

“One of the fires was set close to the border (between the school and the park) and it was put out by the fire department,” said Helen Keller Elementary Principal Tim Stonich. “That was when they came to talk with us. It would have been much more dangerous if it was drier.”

A local parent had seen the fire and called authorities. According to Stonich, all of the fires that he is aware of have taken place at night.

“We are not too concerned for the kids’ or staffs’ safety,” said Stonich. “We are well prepared. But usually when you have a fire at night and no one is here there is severe damage. We would like to get this stopped ASAP. We are working with the investigators and the cooperation has been excellent.”

Stonich has brought the issue up with the Parent Teacher Association.

“We talked to board members and told them to be aware,” said Stonich. “Don’t waist time, if they see something they need to stop and call 911.”

One of the issues surrounding the investigation is the fact that the school has no security cameras, which are often times useful for any investigation.

“That has to go through the district office but it would be nice to have,” said Stonich of the cameras.

Fire investigators are asking for the public’s help and to call 911 if they see anything out of the ordinary.

“We hope that neighbors stay vigilant and we can resolves this,” said Pomeroy.

A sign at the entrance to the park states that a fire was determined to be arson and anyone with information should call 1-800-55-arson. A $10,000 award has been set up for the investigation.