GALVESTON, Texas — Early Thursday, a tree arsonist set ablaze three more of the island’s palms, bringing the number of torched and blackened trunks to 34, authorities said.
Meanwhile, the Galveston fire marshal’s office enlisted the help of a trained dog and handler from Pasadena’s Fire Department.
As Texas Forest Service crews marked trees killed by Hurricane Ike’s September saltwater flood, one or more arsonists have been burning palms since May.
Galveston Fire Marshal Gilbert Robinson said one man, who police said was carrying an empty gas can while fleeing police last month, has not been charged with arson and there have not been any other arrests related to the burned trees.
A resident phoned authorities about 5:45 a.m. Thursday, giving police a description of a man on a bicycle seen leaving the scene of three burning palms at 16th Street and Avenue M.
Although the three trees were close together and just a foot or two from a two-story house, the flames didn’t impinge on the structure, Robinson said. The trees have mostly been set ablaze south of Broadway, Robinson said.
Robinson asked anyone who sees someone setting a tree ablaze to call 911.
This story is available through KHOU, Ch. 11's partnership with The Galveston County Daily News.
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