Fires in 3 Ohio Barns Ruled Arson; Reward Offered

Officials have ruled three barn fires in central Ohio as arson.

Three barns in a two-mile area were set ablaze within just over an hour Thursday morning near Pataskala, east of Columbus. The State Fire Marshal’s office says it’s too early to determine if the arsons are connected, but the proximity of the fires makes it possible.

A reward of up to $5,000 is being offered for any information about the person or people responsible for the fires.

One of the barn owners tells The Advocate newspaper in Newark that she heard a car drive into her neighborhood at 5 a.m.

Investigators are analyzing evidence, including security camera footage.