Renton Police and Renton Fire and Emergency Services are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying an active arsonist.

Since late 2015 there have been a total of eight fires at local public schools, resulting in close to $30,000 in damages. All are believed to be arson.

“Looks like we have a serial arsonist on our hands,” Sgt. Craig Sjolen said Wednesday.

Sjolen said most of the fires have been started in port-a-potties, which they believe link the crimes.

“We are always concerned when we have an arsonist or arsonists setting fires in our community,” Fire Chief Mark Peterson said in a press release. “Citizens can help stop this by leaving house lights on at night, storing combustible materials in a secure location and reporting suspicious activities to police.”

The following fires are suspected to be arsons:

• Nov. 29, 2015, 7:57 p.m. – port-a-potty at Lindbergh High School; estimated damage: $12,000. This fire spread to the adjacent track, causing additional damage and resulting in a greater dollar loss estimate;

• Jan. 29, 2016, 3:36 a.m. – two vans located in a parking lot at Lindbergh High School; estimated damage: $11,100;

• April 28, 2016, 1:53 a.m. – port-a-potty at Lindbergh High School; estimated damage: $1,000;

• April 28, 2016, 4:47 a.m. – port-a-potty at Renton Park Elementary (located across from Lindbergh High School); estimated damage: $1,000.

• June 21, 2016, 1:45 a.m. – port-a-potty at Lindbergh High School; estimated damage: $1,000;

• June 21, 2016, 2:30 a.m. – port-a-potty at Tiffany Park Elementary; estimated damage: $1,000;

• June 21, 2016, 2:30 – 6 a.m. – storage shed at Lindbergh High School; estimated damage: $500; and

• June 29, 2016, 1:10 a.m. – mattress placed against a metal storage container and a dumpster at Lindbergh High School; estimated damage: $1,000.

“We believe they are all related,” Sjolen said.

Security video of the Jan. 29 van fire showed four individuals, probably male, entering school grounds from an access road behind the football field in the early morning hours.

Sjolen said witnesses have reported seeing a male dressed in a dark-hooded sweatshirt. At one of the scenes, police said a molotov cocktail was used.

Sjolen also said that video footage indicates a “unique vehicle” that may be associated with the suspect and police are checking

Anyone with information on the identity of the person or persons responsible for setting these fires is asked to contact Renton Fire and Emergency Services Department at 425-430-7000 or the police at 425-430-7500.