Authorities: Fires Started By Molotov Cocktails

MATTAWAN, Mich. (WWJ/AP) - Authorities in southwestern Michigan say a string of fires were started by Molotov cocktails.

The Van Buren County Sheriff's Department said three fires were reported in the White Pines trailer park in Mattawan and the other was reported about an hour later in Antwerp Township.

Deputies investigated Tuesday and suspect the fires are related.

In Mattawan, Molotov cocktails were thrown under a car, in front of a trailer and at a trailer, investigators said. Those fires were put out before extensive damage was done.

In Antwerp Township, a cocktail had been thrown on the roof of the car, investigators said. The fire destroyed a vehicle.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Van Buren County Sheriff's Department at 269-657-3101.

A molotov cocktial is usually a breakable glass bottle containing a flammable substance with an ignition source such as a burning cloth, which is held in place in the bottle's neck.

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