Arson Now Suspected in Fires on Both Priem and Collier; Rewards Offered

Investigators believe on July 27 was intentionally set, as were two fires on Collier Drive Aug. 17.

Up to $7,000 is being offered by the police and fire departments for information leading to the arrest and conviction/indictment of the offenders.

As of now, the investigators don't believe the Priem and Collier fires are related.

In the first incident, . was burned to the ground early July 27. A neighbor reported flames about 12:30 a.m.

"The exact cause of the fire remains undetermined, but fire officials suspect arson based on several factors discovered during the fire investigation," Fire Chief Jeff Branic said in a news release. 

 -- one in a wood shed behind a house and one in a paper recycling bin at adjacent Muraski School -- resulted in $6,000 worth of damage.

Two homes had to be evacuated because of fears the fire would spread.

The fire department has secured up to $5,000 in reward money from the Blue Ribbon Arson Committee for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the fires.

Anyone with information about either fire is asked to call Strongsville police at 440-238-7373.

The Strongsville Police Department has also enlisted the support of Crime Stoppers of Cuyahoga County, Inc. to offer a cash reward of up to $2,000 for information leading to the arrest or grand jury indictment of a felony offender.

Callers can remain anonymous. The TIP line phone number is 216-252-7463. For anonymous text messaging: Text TIP657 plus your message to CRIMES (274637), or on-line at www.tipsubmit.com.

On Collier Drive, a wood shed behind one house was found burning about 5:15 a.m. Aug. 17. The blaze destroyed the shed and several nearby trees and damaged a fence, causing about $4,000 in damage.

Firefighters also discovered a fire less than 100 feet away in paper recycling bin at . That blaze caused about $2,000 worth of damage.

Police aren't sure yet if on Collier Drive in March.

In that case,  in the early morning hours.

"We are looking into whether or not the fires are related," Detective Lt. John Janowski told Strongsville Patch last week. 

More information about Crime Stoppers can be found at www.25crime.com.