Two weekend fires in Woodstock that started about 30 minutes apart in the town square area were the work of at least one arsonist, according to the city fire chief.
Chief Phil Parker said the fires, which damaged seven businesses and displaced 18 apartment residents, were deliberately set on the rear porch of a tavern on the square and in a second-floor furniture shop about six blocks away.
Parker said the first fire was ignited at about 3 a.m. Saturday in Xylocraft Fine Furniture at 110 Irving St., by at least one arsonist who climbed an outside stairway, kicked in a door and apparently set paint thinners on fire.
The second fire was set about 3:30 a.m. on the rear porch of Duffy`s Tavern, at 223 N. Benton St., on the picturesque square being used for filming part of the movie ”Groundhog Day.”
