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5 Charged In String Of Flint Fires

FLINT (WWJ/AP) - Authorities in Flint have charged five people in connection with a recent string of fires at vacant structures on the city's east side.

Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton on Wednesday announced charges in the fires. He said a juvenile, two 17-year-old boys, a 19-year-old man and a 20-year-old man each face five counts of arson of real property and one count of arson of a dwelling.

The Flint Journal reports police say the five may be responsible for more than 100 fires in recent months.

Fires at vacant buildings have been a significant problem for Flint that has strained its firefighters. On July 4-5, crews responded to eight suspected arsons at abandoned homes. In June, three firefighters suffered heat exhaustion while battling a string of 11 fires at vacant homes on the city's east side.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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