For the Reporter

Valley Regional Fire Authority fire investigators have determined that Sunday night’s four-fire spree in Auburn is suspicious in nature and authorities are asking for the public’s help to provide any information about the fires.

The Arson Alarm Foundation and NW Insurance Council are offering an award of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest or conviction of those responsible for the fires.

Anyone with information about the fires is encouraged to call the arson hotline at 800-55-ARSON. Callers may remain anonymous. Residents may also call the Auburn Police Department tip line at 253-288-7403.

Four separate structural fires kept VRFA crews busy Sunday evening.

The first fire was reported at 8:17 p.m. in the 2200 block of M Street Northeast in an unoccupied duplex. The duplex was heavily damaged.

At 9:03 p.m. a VRFA fire investigator spotted the second fire in the 1200 block of 16th Street Northeast. Arriving crews found an exterior wall fire in a single-family home. It was quickly extinguished and caused only minor damage.

A third fire was reported at 9:12 p.m. in the 1200 block of 11th Street Northeast. Firefighters arrived to find a fully engulfed two-car detached garage with one vehicle inside. The garage and car were a total loss.

The fourth fire was dispatched at 9:39 p.m. in the 1300 block of G Street Southeast. First arriving crews found a single-family home heavily involved with fire and spreading to an adjacent home. Three adults were displaced because of the fire. Both homes were heavily damaged.

There were no reported injuries to civilians. One firefighter suffered a minor medical emergency. He was taken to the hospital where he was treated and released with no restrictions.