Arson suspected in Arlington house fire, police say

Home has caught fire twice in last few weeks

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Neighbors and investigators suspect arson after an Arlington home goes up in flames Friday for the second time in the last few weeks.

The vacant home at the corner of Groveland Drive and Eastdale Street caught fire again just before 5 a.m, officials said. The state fire marshal said they believe the fires are the result of arson.

A neighbor, Lani Mariano, shot video of the home on fire. She said the fire has her worried after shooting the same thing a few weeks ago.

It was frightening. There were really big flames and we were worried the trees were going to spread it out,” Mariano said.

Arson signs are now set out on the front fence and front wall of the home, and a massive hole from the roof collapse can be seen through the front window. Mariano said both fires started around the same time, between 3 and 5 a.m.

The flames from the first time the home caught fire spread to Mariano’s fence and siding.

“I have the check from my insurance to fix this,” Mariano said. “Good thing we didn't put up the new fence.”

The home has been vacant for some time, and the damage from the fires has it condemned.

Anyone with information about the fire is asked to call the state’s arson tip line at 1-877-NO-ARSON.