A succession of mysterious fires, with some believed to target Halloween decor, have been recorded in Lincoln Square and North Center zones since early October. This disturbing trend has tarnished the seasonal celebrations. The latest fire hit a porch in the 2200 block of West Ainslie Street at approximately 2 a.m. on Saturday, October 21, reports the Chicago Sun-Times. Despite the police's ongoing investigations, the cause and potential links to preceding incidents remain undetermined, leaving residents in a state of unease.
The Chicago Police Department has classified at least two of the fires reported this month as arson, according to NBC Chicago. However, officials have not verified if the most recent fire targeted Halloween decorations or if it is under investigation as possible arson. Its current status is "noncriminal damage caused by a fire."
A fire targeting a holiday-themed hay bale in North Center last week escalated concerns when it resulted in four being displaced. The fire blackened the house's facade, leaving neighbors wary and contemplating the risk of their own holiday embellishments. A North Center inhabitant told the Chicago Sun-Times, "It's upsetting to feel like in the middle of the night, something like this can happen," indicating that some locals are contemplating dismantling their decorations.
