Arson probe leads to call for fire safety

STEVENS POINT, Wis. (WSAU) – Stevens Point residents can avoid becoming victims of arson by following some common sense fire safety tips, authorities said Thursday.

Residents should lock all garage and house doors, install outside lighting and remove any combustible material from their property, said fire Chief John Zinda.

Zinda also urged residents to have an escape route with two ways out of a house and a common meeting place.

With the start of Daylight Saving Time this weekend, Zinda says it is also a good idea to replace the batteries and make sure your smoke detectors are working properly.

Authorities shared the tips as they asked for the public’s help in finding an arsonist accused of intentionally setting 20 fires since May 2008.

You may call tips to Stevens Point police at 715-346-1501 or the Portage County Crime Stoppers line at 1-888-346-6600. A $5,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to the arsonist’s arrest.