STATESVILLE, N.C. -- Firefighters in Statesville believe someone may have used a blow torch to set five homes on fire Thursday morning.

State investigators brought in dogs to sniff evidence, but said they did not find any trace of an accelerant, like gasoline.

Officials said the fires started just before 3 a.m. and all happened within two miles of each other.

"I don't know what to say to them," homeowner Ronald Munday said, speaking of the arsonist or arsonists. "They're just destructive people I guess, wanting a thrill or something."

Police said witnesses saw a car driving away from one of the scenes. If you have any information, call Statesville Police at 704-878-3406.