The investigation into a number of arson cases continues around Independence. Police Chief Jerry Harrison says it is unclear if the fires are connected. The string of fires started in December when someone broke into a downtown business on East Chestnut and set a fire. The other four cases involved abandoned homes. Several fires were set in a house  on North 17th. On January 10th, police discovered a fire on North 9th.  Investigators  believe that blaze followed criminal activity. A fire was reported February 24th at an address on West Chestnut. And, on March 10th, another fire was reported on West Cottonwood. 

 

The Kansas State Fire Marshal is assisting on the probe. Chief Harrison asks anyone who may have information or surveillance video to call the Independence Police Department.