String Of 'Suspicious' Fires Under Investigation: Linden PD

LINDEN, NJ — Authorities have called a string of fires that broke on Thursday night in Linden "suspicious." An investigation is underway by local and county police.

Multiple homes, a dumpster and small brush all reportedly were on fire around the same time on July 25, Linden Police Lt. Christopher Guenther said.

Firefighters were called to a two-alarm fire around 10 p.m. at a home at 809 N. Wood Ave. Residents next door were evacuated, yet no injuries were reported, Guenther said.

About 30 minutes later, a second fire was reported at an empty home on the 900 block of Seymour Avenue. The two-alarm fire severely damaged the home. Next door neighbors were displaced by the fire and relocated by the the American Red Cross. No injuries were reported.

While firefighters were still battling the two house fires, a series of small brush fires was reported in the nearby area along with a dumpster fire at Soehl Middle School, Guenther said.

The brush and dumpster fires were put out before too much damage was reported.

"While it is unclear if the fires are connected, they are considered suspicious," Guenther said.

Another fire was also reported in Roselle on W. 9th Avenue at just after midnight. It is unclear if this fire is connected to the Linden blazes.

The Linden Fire Department, the Union County Arson Investigation team, and the Linden Police Department are investigating. Anyone with information about these incidents is urged to contact Linden Police Detective Matt Jones or Tim Hubert at 908-474-8537.

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