Arlington authorities are asking for the public’s help solving suspicious fires along South 23rd Street. On January 9, 2025, just before dawn, the Arlington County Fire Department responded to reports of a structure fire in the 500 block of S. 23rd Street. Firefighters arrived to find a fire contained to an enclosed patio at 529 S. 23rd Street. Thanks to the building’s sprinkler system, the flames didn’t spread, and crews were able to fully extinguish the fire quickly.
However, as investigators from the Office of the Fire Marshal looked into the incident, they found more fire damage to two nearby businesses—555 and 567 S. 23rd Street. All three fires are now considered suspicious, with the Fire Marshal’s office determining the main blaze at 529 S. 23rd Street to be intentionally set.
The investigation is ongoing, and officials are asking the community to help identify a person of interest. Residents and business owners are encouraged to check their Ring or other home security cameras for any unusual activity between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m. on the morning of January 9.
If you have footage or any information, you’re urged to contact Lieutenant Wandekha Kanthula at 571-357-0769 or via email at wkanthula@arlingtonva.us.
This string of incidents serves as a reminder of the value of vigilance and community cooperation in keeping neighborhoods safe. If you’re in the area, take a moment to check your footage—it could make a big difference.