GARYSBURG – Three fires here are being investigated as arson.

Northampton County Sheriff Wardie Vincent said three suspicious fires that happened almost simultaneously Friday evening are likely the work of an arsonist.

Vincent said the Sheriff’s Office received a phone call at 11:40 p.m. Friday alerting them to a fire at 221 Circle Drive. Upon arrival, there was a fire also at 223 Circle Drive and both residences were completely engulfed.

&uot;After our officers spoke with the fire chief from the Garysburg Fire Department, he said he believed the fires were set,&uot; Vincent indicated.

As officers

and the fire department were on the scene investigating the fire on Circle Drive, there was a fire reported across the street at U.S. Highway 301 in an unoccupied residence.

&uot;We’re looking at the three as being related,&uot; Vincent said. &uot;We do have a couple of suspects in the case, which we are continuing to investigate.&uot;

The investigation is being conducted by Sgt. Gerri Bowen and other officers of the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office as well as officers of the Garysburg Police Department.

Vincent urged anyone with information concerning the fires to contact his office at 534-2611 or to call the Crimestoppers line at 534-1110.