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Highlands Today

Acorn Terrace Fire Ruled Arson

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By Joe  Seelig | Highlands Today

Published: June 16, 2008

SEBRING — A fire in an empty home at 6925 Acorn Terrace late Friday, in the Spring Lake subdivision, was deliberately set, said State Fire Marshal Lt. Brandon Ball on Monday.

State arson investigator Michael Douglas was called by firefighters to the scene off of Oak Knoll early Saturday. It was Douglas who determined the fire was arson.

"It is an arson fire and we are working it with the Highlands County Sheriff's Office," Ball said. "An accelerant K-9 responded and it was deemed to be intentional."

However, Ball would not say if the dog alerted to the presence of an accelerant or if the determination was made by a observations of the fire marshal investigator himself.

The fire was actually lit in a playhouse in the back yard. But fortunately, firefighters also discovered a fire in a planter.

"This criminal act is part of an ongoing criminal investigation," Ball said. "There have been upward of a dozen fires in the immediate vicinity."

Is there a firebug somewhere in the area?

"Absolutely," Ball responded.

Within the last two months, a bed-fire was discovered by a family member of the owners, who stopped by the home on the way to the Florida Keys.

That fire had burned itself out, Ball said.

Ball is seeking help from the community.

Anyone with information about this fire wishing to help may do so by calling the Florida Advisory Committee on Arson Prevention at 1-877-NO ARSON (662-7766) or call State Fire Marshal Lt. Ball at his Lake Wales office at 1-863-679-4180.

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