Arrest Made In String Of Suspected Arsons In Waukesha: Police

WAUKESHA, WI — A 39-year-old man was arrested in connection with four incidents of suspected arson, according to Waukesha Police Capt. Dan Baumann.

There were no injuries, and damage was minor, Baumann said.

The suspect was arrested Tuesday night after a garbage fire on Oct. 20, Baumann said.

He was also arrested in connection with two dumpster fires on suspicion of criminal damage to property on Tuesday. Police did not identify the man.

Charges have not been filed yet against the man. The, who was Huber inmate, is custody, Baumann said.

The fire department was dispatched Tuesday to two small fires, Joseph Hoffman, Waukesha's assistant fire chief, told Patch.

The first incident occurred in a trash receptacle at the Waukesha Metro Transit Center on East North Street. The fire was quickly extinguished, Hoffman said.

The second incident involved a dumpster fire at The Village Golf Shop, 500 E. North St., a hour later. It was quickly extinguished, Hoffman said.

“The timely notification allowed our fire personnel to keep these fires from spreading to nearby buildings or contents. Fortunately to this point the damage has been relatively minor , but the fires did indeed have potential to extend to the exposed buildings and do untold damage to the structures and the neighboring community," Hoffman said in a statement.

The fire department encouraged residents to follow these safety tips.

• Lock dumpsters. Recent fires have occurred in unlocked dumpsters.
• Place dumpsters a minimum of 5 feet from any combustible structures or buildings. Never locate dumpsters or trash containers near exits or windows.
• Limit smoking or the use of heat sources in the area of any trash container. Post no smoking signs and be vigilant about smoking areas.
• Use video security cameras or monitoring equipment at all times.