Arson investigation opens after overnight residential fires

According to an Osceola Volunteer Fire Department report, two fires were reported to the OVDF 1:15 and 1:19 a.m. Oct. 30.

A residence at 816 S. Adams St. was on fire which caught a trash can in the 200 blk of East Fayette Street to catch fire as well. Nearly simultaniously a residence and storage shed at 816 South Park Street was also on fire.

The fire at 816 S. Adams St. destroyed the attatched garage, vehicle parked inside, and attic space of the house.

The fire at 816 S. Park St. burnt the southwest corner of the house and the southeast side and roof of the storage shed. An empty gas can was found 20 feet to the northeast of the shed and was collected as evidence.

The OVFD report states the cause of ignition for both fires was intentional.

Estimated damage at 816 S. Adams St. was $60,000 in property and $30,000 in contents.