ROBERT MEDLEY

Six fires in a 90-minute period early Wednesday in southwest Oklahoma City are under investigation by police and firefighters.

No one was hurt in the fires, but homeowners on SW 37 near Drexel Avenue said they lost tools and other valuables in the blazes.

Officials said the fires were started with an accelerant and destroyed three vehicles and three storage sheds.

Eric Meza, 18, and his father, Esteban Meza, were asleep at 3065 SW 37 about 5 a.m. and awoke to see two sheds and a trampoline burning in their backyard.

"I'm mad," Eric Meza said. "My dad does a lot of woodwork and his tools were stolen and lumber burned."

Esteban Meza said he lost nail guns, drills, tools and a lawn mower. He thinks the fires were set in an attempt to cover up the burglary.

"I'm just surprised, not really scared but surprised that something happened," Esteban Meza said.

A neighbor said his mother lost the supplies she uses to sew quilts, which were stored in a shed behind the house.

The man, who did not want to give his name, said gangs have been spray-painting graffiti in Woodson West Park that backs up to his mother's backyard fence.

"This is a dangerous neighborhood," he said.

Police officers investigated reports that juveniles were seen in the area on bicycles and may have reached the homes on SW 37 through the park.

Vehicle fires were reported at 3:30 a.m. at 1301 SW 44; 3:33 a.m. at 2617 SW 38; and 4:33 a.m. at 2724 SW 38, a fire spokeswoman said. Authorities ask anyone with information about the fires to call the Oklahoma City arson hot line at 232-7766 or Crime Stoppers at 235-7300.