A rash of suspicious fires in the downtown core has the Renton Fire Department on the lookout for a potential arsonist.

After a total of five fires in the last three weeks, Renton Fire & Emergency Services officials believe an arsonist may be active in this area. All of the fires have occurred in the early hours of the morning.

The fires occurred:

• 12:08 a.m., April 25, in the 100 block of South Third Street;

• 12:46 a.m., May 2, in the 300 block of Rainier Avenue South;

• 12:51 a.m., May 11, in the 400 block of Southwest Second Street;

• 12:09 a.m. May 12, on Southwest Seventh Street; and

• 3:22 a.m., May 12 in the 200 block of South Fourth Place.

“We are seeing an active arson problem in the downtown core area of Renton.  We have investigated these fires and determined that they are being intentionally set, and are approaching this situation very seriously.  The dangers of these fires are the possibility of someone getting hurt, killed, or losing their business,” Fire Chief Mark Peterson said in a press release.

The fire department is advising residents and business owners to take extra precautions aimed at reducing the likelihood of a fire being set near their home or business.

Tips include:

• Do not store garbage, discarded materials or other combustibles near any structures;

• Keep the exterior of your building lit during nighttime hours; and

• Report any suspicious activities that you see occurring around your building or neighborhood.

Renton Fire & Emergency Services and Renton Police are asking for the community’s help in finding the suspect or suspects behind these acts of arson.  Please contact the Fire Marshal’s Office at 425-430-7000 if you have any information.