Suspicious Fire the Seventh This Year

No one was hurt when a palm tree caught fire around 3 a.m. Sunday morning in an alley in Gulfport. Officials say a similar fire occurred at this alley before.

In June, a witness saw someone running from the area, after a palm tree was set on fire. But this time, the witness who called 911 only saw flames and smoke.

It happened in an alley near a vacant lot at 5704 28th Ave. S.

The Gulfport Fire Department responded on scene and put out the flames. Officials don't know the reason or reasons for the fires. They believe, however, the fires may be related.

Det. Sgt. Robert Burkhart says this is the seventh reported palm tree/brush fire this year and it is similar to the other reported fires. It happened at night in or near an alley.

August 6

• A teenage girl saw flames but didn't call for help. She believed it was a bonfire. The fire burned itself out. It happened in an alley just south of 28th Avenue South and east of 54th Street South. It damaged a tree, fence and cable wires.

June 15

• A palm tree in Clam Bayou was set on fire around 6 p.m.

June 7

• A witness saw someone running from a palm tree fire on a vacant lot at 5704 28th Ave. S.

April 18

• Three palm tree fires were reported in the city near neighborhoods and alleys.

All of the cases are under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the Gulfport Police Department's non-emergency line at 727-893-1030.