PORTSMOUTH, Ohio (WSAZ) -- Investigators are looking into a string of arsons they say are connected.

Portsmouth Fire Department Captain Chris Lowery says there have been fires in three vacant homes within a couple blocks on 6th and 7th streets.

He says two homes were set on fire back on January 17, and crews were called to another fire Friday morning.

Elton Truman says the fire in a vacant house Friday caused thousands of dollars worth of heat damage to his home next door.

“I don't know how I'll get it fixed," Truman said. "I'm disabled and have cancer."

He says if the fire department had arrived just a few minutes later, it could have been much worse.

"Someone could really have gotten hurt, like me and my family," he said.

Terri Holbrook lives across from the house that burned Friday. She says the recent string of arsons in vacant houses makes her nervous, considering she lives next to another vacant home.

"That's what scares me about this abandoned home next to me,” she said, “somebody doing something to it and making me lose my home."

Captain Lowery says they believe the same person or persons are behind these fires.

Lowery says a firefighter injured his hand at one of the fires in January. He's been given time off to recover from the injury.

Lowery says the Ohio Fire Marshal’s office is working on some leads. He says if anyone sees anything suspicious to give them a call.