Arson fires were up, way up, in South Bend in 2019. Going back two years in 2017 there were 35 arson fires, and then in 2018 there were 42. The big change comes from January to November of last year, there were 71.

A report from ABC 57 News details issues area neighborhoods have been having with arson fires. In speaking with investigators its believed that the increase could also be attributed, at least in part, to increased preliminary identification of such fires.

Law enforcement does say they are looking for suspects still in numerous cases. They did arrest a juvenile that confessed to setting 7 fires.

Find more details here with the full report from ABC 57 News.