The St Joseph Fire Department is trying to get the word out to the public about a spike in the number of fires in vacant structures in the city.

Including one early Monday morning, the department has responded to 18 vacant-structure fires this year.

That’s more than the total for last year, and well above the four that were reported by this time last year.

Chief Fire Inspector Kenny Cordonnier tells us you can help. He listed securing vacant structures, proper lighting around those structures, and increased vigilance from neighbors.

“I know a lot of these fires are happening in the early-morning hours, when most people are asleep, but we’re going to need some help from the public on this,” Cordonnier said.

To that end Cordonnier says they’re about to announce an effort with police and building inspectors to increase public awareness, possibly including formation of “arson watch” groups.