KOKOMO, Ind. — People in Kokomo have been on edge since Saturday morning, when a series of fires popped up within the span of an hour.
All of the fires are suspected to have been intentionally set, and many wondered if they'd be the next to wake up to their car, garage or house engulfed in flames.
"I'm glad no one really got hurt bad," neighbor Jewel Perkins said. "I hate that people lost their home over it, but all in all, I'm glad that the guy got caught and he's behind bars."
Kokomo police believe 29-year-old Joseph Smith played a role in fires that were set in five different locations Saturday. The fires began springing up around 2 a.m., and police contend Smith traveled between his destinations on foot.
Smith's alleged activity also put a strain on the city's entire fire department.
"We had every truck out, and every firefighter," said Glenda Myers, division chief of fire investigations for the Kokomo Fire Department. "All hands on deck. We were chasing our tails to get from one to the other.”
Myers said the community has been instrumental in getting to the bottom of this case. In footage from a Ring camera that points toward a house that was affected, a person can be seen trying to get into a car and walking around. In the video, flames can be seen in the distance moments after the individual appears on camera.
"I'm sure that each one of the guys or anyone else is — am I next? When's it going to happen again?" Myers said.
In total, five cars, a garage and a house went up in flames on Saturday. Luke Morgan and his family lost everything in the house fire, including several pets. But Morgan said he's glad his neighbors aren't afraid anymore.
"It was starting to almost be terrifying, in a way," Morgan said. "Not just for us. I mean, we already lost what we lost. I was starting to worry for the whole neighborhood, really. I know that, everywhere I went, people were talking about it. So, people were scared. I’m glad that part’s over.”
Smith was arrested for arson and burglary, and Morgan's family is still learning to cope with the devastation.
"I felt good, in a way, and also it was kind of scary to put a face to it," Morgan said. "You just kind of hope that it’s the right guy. I’m ready to continue to clean up and try to move on.”
The department’s message to the community remains the same as it was at the start of this investigation — always be aware of your surroundings.
“Keep your doors locked, keep your vehicles locked," Myers said. "This appeared to be random, not targeted, so just stay vigilant."
Kokomo fire officials said their investigation into the fires is still active. KFD is encouraging those with information or security footage to contact investigators.
Officials also confirmed crews responded to another blaze Monday, but at this time, investigators do not believe it is connected to Saturday's fires.