Neighboring Homes Under Construction Catch Fire

Builder says investigators believe fires were intentionally set

Two Frisco homes under construction that caught fire in less than three weeks are suspicious, investigators say.

A home in the 12000 block of Viola Drive caught fire early Saturday morning, causing at least $50,000 worth in damage. A house next door was destroyed in another fire on May 20.

"We're working vigorously with Frisco police, as well as other area agencies, to determine the cause of the fires,” Fire Chief Mark Piland said in a statement provided by the city. "We want to remind residents, if they see anything or anyone suspicious, don’t hesitate to contact the Frisco Police Department by dialing 911."

Mike Gibson of Sumeer Homes, the builder, said fire investigators told him both blazes were intentionally set.

"They have a very strong lead, and they think it's a juvenile that lives in the neighborhood that's causing this," he said.

Gibson said he believes the home that caught fire Saturday can be saved. It had just been sold that morning.

The cost of rebuilding will fall on Sumeer Homes' insurance company. But the fires will have to be disclosed to all potential buyers, and the purchase prices for the affected homes will likely significantly drop, Gibson said.

Editor's Note: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated the date of the first fire based on witness accounts. After the story was published, the city of Frisco said the first fire occurred early in the morning of May 20. In addition, the second fire occurred on Saturday morning, shortly after midnight, not Friday as originally stated in this story. NBC 5 regrets the errors.

NBC 5's Omar Villafranca contributed to this report.

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