HAYDEN - After a two-week lull, someone is once again starting small ground fires near residences along the northeast border of Dalton Gardens near Hayden.

On Wednesday afternoon, a passing motorist saw a fire along the road near where Loch Haven Road ends and called 911. Since June 28, firefighters from Northern Lakes Fire District and Kootenai County Fire and Rescue have responded to 14 human-caused fires within a quarter-mile radius of the intersection of 15th Street and Woodland Drive.

"All the pieces are being put together and we're trying to get a pattern," said Northern Lakes spokesman Jim Lyon. "We've got a pretty good idea of the time frame and the types of fires, but they are not leaving us anything that's an obvious ignition source."

The fires, which have occurred alongside roadways, have all covered areas less than 100 square feet. All have occurred between 4 and 9:30 p.m.

Wednesday afternoon's fire was substantially smaller than the previously reported fires in the area. But, according to Lyon, the chances for it to have grown were high.

"It was so dry there, almost like a dry grass," Lyon said. "There was certainly potential for it to spread into the forested area."

Lyon added that in the minutes it took him and firefighters from both agencies to reach the blaze after it was reported, someone had already put it out.

"Literally with their foot," he said.

Fire investigators canvassed the area, asking residents if they had seen any unusual bicycle or vehicle in the vicinity of the fire prior to it being started. According to Lyon, the efforts did not yield any leads.

"It's making us very frustrated that it's happening in broad daylight and no one is seeing who is doing it," Lyon said.

Anyone with information on the person or persons responsible for the fires is encouraged to call (208) 777-8500 or (208) 659-2716.

"When residents smell or see fire, if they can note what vehicles are in the area and a basic description of them, that would be great," Lyon said. "We are keeping track of all of that and all we need is two or three reports connected to these fires to narrow it in."

If there is an actual fire or fire-related emergency, call 911.