EPHRATA - The Ephrata Police and Fire Departments are searching for an arsonist who has been setting fire to trashcans and Dumpsters during the last two weeks.

A series of 14 small fires have been set in trashcans and Dumpsters in the southwest area of town. Police Chief Mike Warren said the fires began on July 4.

Some of the initial fires may have been fireworks related, according to a prepared statement from Wes Crago, city administrator. Crago said several of the fires were "definitely set intentionally."

"This arsonist, whether one person or several, represents a clear and present danger to the citizens and property of our community," Fire Chief Jeremy Burns said.

The majority of the fires were started between the hours of 10 p.m. and 3 a.m.

Two fires set in trash cans caused damage to nearby properties.

About 5 a.m. Tuesday, a shed caught fire near a home in the 1300 block of D Street Southwest. The fire reportedly started in a trash can and spread to a shed and fence, causing several thousand dollars worth of damage.

Another fire was started about 3 a.m. Monday in the brush near Empire Road. Wind caused the flames to spread to a fence but firefighters were able to protect a nearby home and vehicles.

City officials are urging residents to alert and notify authorities of any suspicious behavior, especially in alleys or around trash cans and Dumpsters. Anyone who noticed suspicious activity is asked to call MACC Dispatch at 509-762-1160 or 911 if a fire has been started.

Anyone with information related to the investigation is asked to call the Ephrata Police Department at 509-754-2491 or Ephrata Fire Department at 509-754-4666.

The Ephrata Fire Department has a free, confidential anti-arson counseling program, Firestoppers, for children ages 2-15. Anyone who would like to utilize this education service can contact the fire department to schedule a presentation.