Arsonist Strikes in Keney Park in Hartford

The search is on for an arsonist in Hartford.

Hartford Police are investigated who started several brush fires at Keney Park.

It happened around 6 p.m. Wednesday. Several fires broke out near the park’s Pond House, as well as the Greenfield Street and Vine Street area near the horse stables. It took firefighters about an hour to get them under control.

Police say they found gas containers near the fires.

“Anyone can recognize the smell of gasoline or accelerant and they’ve been around that thing so they’re very familiar with it," said Lt. Brandon O'Brien with the Hartford Police Department. When the containers were found, there was still some gasoline found inside of them.

Police believe there could be more than one person involved in the fires.

Luisa Rosario lives right next to where one of the fires took place. While nobody was hurt, she says it’s still a scary situation because it could’ve been worse.

"Especially when we live so close and somebody would be so malicious to endanger all these people so close to the holidays. It’s kind of scary," said Rosario.

"Brush fire? C’mon! I was about to cut through there! I see this? Now I got to go all the way around!" said Michael Bonner, who bikes the trail.

Police are asking for the public’s help.

"Anyone that might’ve seen anything, no matter inconsequential they might think that observation was, we’re looking to harvest that information and make it part of our investigation," said Lt. O'Brien.

If you have any information on this case, call Hartford Police.
 

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