Investigating arson

During the past 10 years, if the Cape Girardeau Fire Department determined the origin of a fire was suspicious, the Cape Girardeau Police Department was called in to investigate. Now the two departments have resurrected a joint fire investigation team that allows the police in on the investigation while the blaze is in progress.

At least four police officers and five fire personnel will make up the team.

The city had such a team until a lack of funding and interest saw its elimination 10 years ago.

The officers and firefighters chosen for the team must undergo training before it will be put into action.

Some 10 arsons occurred in Cape Girardeau in 2005. Two of those cases have been solved. By increasing the manpower for investigations, the arson team should be able to improve that ratio.