Reward offered after another Charleston fire

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — Still another arson fire has been reported in Charleston, where officials have posted a $25,000 reward for information leading to the capture of whoever is setting the blazes.

A fire early Thursday caused minor damage to a home, but Mayor Joe Riley says people could have died if it got out of control.

The fire was the fifth suspicious blaze in a month in Charleston and the 57th since 2003.

Riley promised authorities will track down whoever is responsible.

Authorities say the fires are being set during the early morning hours generally on couches and furniture on the porches of homes in the downtown area. They have occurred in an area with a lot of homes with apartments occupied by college students. Riley urged residents to report any suspicious activity.