A series of nine, likely related acts of arson have occurred in less than three weeks, most in SoMa around several highrise construction projects, seemingly the work of a firebug who has not yet been identified. As KTVU and others report, the serial arsonist has struck several dumpsters, causing minimal damage, however the most recent arsons at construction sites appear to indicate that s/he is getting bolder.
The most recent arsons were in dumpsters outside buildings at First and Folsom and First and Tehama on Tuesday night, with a third occurring last night on Hoff Street between 16th and 17th Street in the Mission. Previously, the same arsonist is suspected of starting fires at a construction site at Folsom and Beale, the site of the under-construction, 655-unit Lumina condo project. Four of the nine suspected arsons have occurred at this site. The implication is that the arsonist is in some way targeting this area of rapid new development.
SFPD have some surveillance tapes they've been reviewing but have not released any sort of description of the suspect yet.
So be on the lookout for this firebug, and as always, you can call the SFPD's anonymous tip line at 415-575-4444, or text a tip to TIP411 with “SFPD” in the message.
