In the city of Utica, 30 fires were intentionally set all of 2007. Just over halfway through 2008, already there have been 23 arsons. On Saturday night alone, there were four fires in the city of Utica. Three were ruled arson, the other ruled suspicious.

Utica Fire Chief Russell Brooks says the newly reinstated arson strike force is knee deep in investigations. The original strike force in the 90s had a 90% conviction rate. The new arson strike force in nowhere near the size of the original, and right now its stretched thin. The Utica Fire and Police Departments are hoping to expand the force with a grant from Congressman Michael Arcuri.

Chief Brooks says the strike force is doing its best right now, but says the public can help. Neighbors are usually the first on the scene, and hold valuable information for solving a case.

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