Residents of Chicago's 3rd District are on high alert as an arsonist prowls the South Side, striking fear and flames into the heart of the community. According to a community alert from the Chicago Police Department, a string of intentional fires have been set, targeting trash receptacles and quickly spreading to neighboring homes and garages, leaving the district's residents both rattled and enraged.

The perpetrator, who remains unidentified, has instigated at least five fires within the area, four on Beat 0322 and one on Beat 0324. These calculated blazes occurred under cover of darkness with incidents reported on March 27, 2024, at 11:11 P.M on the 6800 Block of S. Indiana Ave, then hours earlier at 1:01 A.M on the 6800 Block of S. Michigan Ave, and more recently on April 21, 2024, at 9:15 P.M on the 300 Block of E. 70th St. followed by another at 9:45 P.M on the 6900 Block of S. Prairie Ave., and lastly at the same time on the 300 Block of E. 70th St.

Authorities are urging the community to remain vigilant and to keep an eye out for any suspicious behavior or individuals loitering in the area. "Be aware of this crime and alert family members/friends who frequent the area," the Chicago Police advised. The community is also encouraged to report suspicious activity immediately, remember any distinctive physical characteristics of individuals spotted near the scenes, and if possible, preserve any video surveillance for investigating detectives. The stress upon public safety is clear: "Never pursue a fleeing assailant, provide the information to the police."

Anyone with information on the crimes is encouraged to step forward as the community and law enforcement join forces to extinguish this fiery threat. In a statement obtained by the Chicago Police, witnesses to any incident are asked to provide contact information, ensuring no lead or testimony goes unexamined in the pursuit of justice and the return to tranquility.