In the midst of three fire investigations early Saturday morning, imagine the fire department's surprise when they learned of a fourth fire breaking out at the same time as the others - this one on Clinton Place.

The fire at 7 Clinton Place was contained to single room and burned itself out. But this fire follows an unfortunate pattern - just one of three this weekend that has been ruled incendiary.

That brings this year's total of intentionally lit fires to 23 - that number already on the verge of growing with one suspicious fire on Oneida Street under investigation.

Last year there were 30 fires deemed incendiary for the entire year.

What made this weekend's fires difficult - all broke out within the same one hour period, leaving the fire department and newly committed arson task force stretched thin.

Now Utica's Fire Chief is hopeful that some arrests will curb what seems to be a growing number of intentional fires.

In 2007 there were only two individuals charged with arson in Utica. This year one individual, and that individual turned themselves in.

Back in the 90's, the arson task force had a 90% conviction rate.

Though the arson task force - which includes fire investigators as well as police - are doing their best to bring these investigations to a close, Utica's Public Safety Commissioner Dan LaBella, along with Fire Chief Brooks, say community involvement is key.

If you have any information about this past weekend's fires or any others, you are asked to call the Utica Police Department. All calls will be kept confidential.