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Demolition work has begun on a string of Ogden homes as police continue to search for the person who intentionally lit them on fire.
Seven fires in two weeks, and police have no suspects. But the burned shells of the homes have become too dangerous, and officials said they had to go.
George Welsh has witnessed home after home in his neighborhood burn the past two weeks. Now, he's watching them be torn down. "I was hoping my wife and me, that we'd live out our lives here," he said.
The entire neighborhood will eventually be demolished to make way for a new shopping development. Whoever set the fires sped up the timetable on at least two demolitions.
"These two were more accessible and dangerous; and we worried about those as far as people, kids, making access into the homes," Ogden Fire Chief Make Mathieu said.
City officials and the developer reached an agreement to expedite demolition. The city is placing liens on the properties. When development happens, they plan to be paid back.
"We just want the fires to stop and the development to go on its normal course," Mathieu said.
As for suspects, investigators say there are none.
Seven fires were set in 14 days. One home was hit three times. With increased patrols and the few remaining neighbors on alert, there hasn't been a fire in six days -- a number firefighters and neighbors hope keeps growing.
"It's getting nerve wracking. It's getting pretty rough," Welsh said.
So far, no dates have been set on when other homes, like Welsh's, will be torn down.
If you have any information on the case, please call Ogden police at (801) 629-8221.
E-mail: sdallof@ksl.com
