Authorities Investigating South Carolina Home Fires as Arson

South Carolina police say a fire that destroyed three houses and damaged two others in Rock Hill is being investigated as an arson.

The fire early on the morning of Oct. 17 spread quickly from house to house.

Authorities weren’t sure the fire could be suspicious until a State Law Enforcement Division tracking dog identified possible accelerants.

One man whose house burned told police he heard a car drive off moments before noticing the fire at his neighbor’s house. Other neighbors reported hearing an explosion coming from their carport around 5 a.m. and saw flames coming from a vehicle.

No one was hurt in the fire that police say caused $735,000 in damage.