3 suspicious fires break out at nearby Fla. homes

Authorities investigating suspicious fires at 3 neighboring Tampa homes

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Published On: Jan 07 2013 11:57:50 AM EST

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Officials are investigating suspicious fires at three Tampa homes on the same block.

Tampa Police and fire officials responded to the first fire at a small residence early Monday morning. While on scene, they noticed another nearby house was on fire. That house was on the opposite side of the block but connected through an alley.

Rescuers spotted a third fire coming from another single story home down the street from the first fire.

Tampa Police spokeswoman Laura McElroy said all three homes were vacant and no one was injured.

Authorities extinguished the fires and blocked off the area, using K-9 dogs and plain clothes officers to search for suspects.

Witnesses said they saw a possible suspect walking quickly away from the first blaze.

The Arson Task Force is investigating.

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