Investigation ramping up after 9 fires set in Lake County

UMATILLA, Fla. (FOX 35 ORLANDO) - The investigation is ramping up after two more fires in Umatilla, bringing the total to 9 in just one month. 

Investigators are now trying to figure out if they're all connected. 

Officials can't say for sure if all of the fires are connected but they are suspicious.  A special arson task force is on the case. The latest fires breaking out at a Umatilla mobile home and a dumpster behind a Save-a-Lot store. 

Both fires broke out just days after the Lake County Sheriff's Office released surveillance videos of someone they believe is setting fires on purpose. 

Some neighbors say they're now living in fear since the flames and smoke are hitting way too close to home. 

"They've got to be stopped before someone ends up hurt or dead,” said Brian Carter.

The arsonist could even be hurting himself.

In a surveillance video from a Sunoco gas station, the arsonist poured liquid all over the convenience store counter, lighting an object, tossing it on the counter and then he seems to burn himself in the process.

If you have any information about these fires or the suspect seen in the videos, you can call Crimeline anonymously at 1-800-423-TIPS.