2 'intentionally set' fires under investigation

Editor's note: Joseph Jones is a Register correspondent representing vermiliondaily.com. VERMILION — Two separate fires inside a multi-family apartment building on Salem Drive in Vermilion were "intentionally set" and are under investigation, according to Vermilion fire Chief Bill Brown. Just after 9 a.m. on Saturday, firefighters were called to 315 Salem Drive for a reported hallway fire in a 16-unit apartment complex, according to a statement from Brown. When crews arrived, a total of 10 firefighters responded with three vehicles, the fire had already been extinguished. But investigators found that a second fire had been set in another area of the building. According to Brown, both fires were started on the second-floor stairways: one affecting the middle section of units and the other on the north side of the building. Paper found inside the building was used to ignite both fires. All residents were safely accounted for, and no damage was reported. The fires remain under investigation by Vermilion's fire and police departments along with the Ohio State Fire Marshal's Office with assistance from the Lorain County Fire Investigation Unit. No suspect information has been released. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Vermilion fire at 440-967-1017. People can remain anonymous.