Arson Task Force investigating after Rochester home set on fire twice

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — The Rochester Police and Fire Departments are investigating after a home was set on fire—not once—but twice in the same month.

The latest fire happened early Sunday morning at a home on Pierpont Street.

Members of Rochester’s Arson Task Force couldn’t provide much detail but they say they are investigating after this happened twice to one resident in the neighborhood and ring footage caught the suspect walking up to the home.

“Two times in one month,” a resident said. “This is intentional and why? Who?”

Burnt and melted siding sits on this home on Pierpont Street after those who live inside say it was set on fire in the middle of the night while they were sleeping.

“It was burning for three hours before I even knew that it was burning, which this could be a different story,” a resident said. “It could be a story of a family that died of smoke inhalation. It could be a casualty story.”

This woman didn’t want to share her identity for safety reasons but said she has no clue who is doing this.

“I’ve been around a long time and have never had anything like this happen. So it’s just frustrating to see the neighborhood come to this,” a resident said.

Ring doorbell video shows the suspect walking up to the home with items in hand before setting the back of the home on fire, then a few minutes later, the back and the side of the home are engulfed in flames.

The suspect can be seen running from the side of the home after the fire starts. Investigators were at the scene of the home Monday collecting evidence.

In a statement, Rochester Police said:

"The Arson Task Force (ATF) is a combination of police and fire investigators. The ATF is currently investigating these fires and encourages anyone with information to call 911. Due to the sensitive nature of these investigations, it would be inappropriate to comment on the current status."

“That’s scary. Because we live here and this is our sanctuary. This is where we feel safe and we don’t feel that,” a resident said. Again, members of the Arson Task Force team are working on this investigation.

They say if anyone recognizes this man or knows anything about this incident, please call 911.