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2 Arrests Made After String Of Recent Fires In Southwest Baltimore

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Police have now arrested two people in connection with a series of fires in southwest Baltimore.

A second arrest was made Saturday after police located a 41-year-old man they first described as a person of interest.

Police said the man is in the process of being charged with a fire that was set Friday in the 2400 block of Christian Street.

Since December 2, 2019, there have been 17 fires reported. Five of the fires have been ruled arson and the others remain under investigation.

On December 2, 2019, a 27-year old man was arrested in connection with an arson that occurred in the 1900 block of Ramsey Street. 

"Earlier this week, we did make one arrest in connection with a fire on Ramsey Street," Baltimore Police Detective Jeremy Silbert said. "We believe that fire was intentionally set."

The most recent fires occurred Friday in the 2400 block of Christian Street, 500 block of S. Bentalou Street, 200 block of Furrow Street and 300 block of Furrow Street. All four fires have been ruled arson. 

Baltimore City Firefighters also confirmed two fires Saturday, and although no one has been injured, officials stress the danger presents.

"Anytime there's a fire, our partners at the Baltimore City Fire Department, along with our police officers, are out in harm's way while they're trying to first ensure that there's no one inside the location, and then the fire department has to ultimately put out the fire," Silbert said. "There's also a danger to people who live in the community. As we've seen before, fires can spread very quickly to other homes and structures in the area."

Baltimore City Council President Brandon Scott said that this is an "extremely concerning" situation. He said that city leaders continue to work alongside agencies and community partners until the issue is resolved.

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