Fires in Hill East Suggest Serial Arsonist

Fires in Hill East Suggest Serial Arsonist

By Larry Janezich

Posted April 12, 2025

Several fires set in the Hill East/Barney Circle neighborhoods in the last 30 days appear to be the work of a serial arsonist according to residents. The mostly-minor fires were clustered near Barney Circle and Lincoln Park.  One fire was significant, destroying a construction trailer (above photo). 

Residents say there have been several incidents over the past four weeks but most disturbing were three fires set in the early morning hours of Thursday, April 10.  Those fires were set in the alley of the 1600 block of H Street SE and on Kentucky Avenue, SE near Lincoln Park.  The most damaging was one in the 100 block of Kentucky Avenue SE which engulfed a construction trailer full of wood (see more on other locations below).

In addition to those locations, residents say there is evidence of a fire (scorched ground) along the RFK access road off Barney Circle/17th Street SE.  Also, a resident of the 1600 block of H Street SE said leaves and debris in the alley of that block were set on fire within the past month. 

One home owner called MPD to report that a security camera had recorded a suspected arsonist setting a trash can on fire in the alley of the 1600 block of H Street SE.  In the process of filing a police report, the homeowner said that MPD officer called in the DCFD Fire Marshals who followed up and said they were aware of fires like this being lit around the neighborhood.  

The homeowner emailed CM Charles Allen to make sure he was aware of the situation.

Asked for comment, Allen responded:  “I appreciate the neighbors that brought this to my attention earlier today.  Fortunately, no one was injured.  I’ve connected with leaders at both MPD and FEMS this afternoon and I want neighbors to know that patrols will be on the lookout and the Fire Marshal is investigating fully.  If anyone has security videos that might help ID the individual that set these fires, please share them with law enforcement or contact me directly.”

Here’s some additional information regarding the fires:  

March 16, circa 9:00pm, alley of 700 block of Kentucky Avenue SE.  Fence set on fire. 

March 16, circa 9:00pm, alley of 700 block of Kentucky Avenue SE.  Fence set on fire. 

April 10, 3:56am, alley behind 1600 block of H Street SE.  Trash can set on fire.  No damage caused as the fire extinguished itself after about 3 minutes.  Video footage captured, but due to angle it’s difficult to make out much about this person.

(No image available.)

April 10, circa 4:30am, 400 block Kentucky Ave SE.  Trash left for bulk pickup in curb box was set on fire.

Thursday April 10, circa 4:40am.  100 block of Kentucky Avenue SE.  Construction trailer set on fire.