The Mansfield firefighters union is throwing its support behind the city's effort to catch an arsonist.

Since June, the Mansfield Fire Department has extinguished 43 arson fires.  The Ohio Blue Ribbon Arson Committee has had a five thousand dollar reward on the table.  Now, the local union is committing another $1000 to the reward fund.  And union leaders hope the extra cash will encourage someone to come forward.

Daniel Crow, president of the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 266, in Mansfield, says the malicious wave of arsons requires a collaborative approach to help catch the person responsible for the fires.  And his organization hopes increased awareness of the problem will help stop the fires and rid Mansfield neighborhoods of arson.

The $1000 reward is being added to a $5000 reward from the Ohio Blue Ribbon Arson Committee.

Anyone with information that might lead investigators to the arsonist is urged to call the Mansfield Fire Prevention Bureau at 419-755-9816.