Eight cars set afire in three city neighborhoods

A joint city-federal arson task force is investigating the torching of eight cars in three adjoining Philadelphia neighborhoods early Wednesday, authorities said.

Investigators have found no links among the seven separate incidents of arson aside from their relative proximity.

The fires were reported between 4:37 and 5:20 a.m. in the Olney, Feltonville, and Crescentville sections, Fire Department Capt. Jeffrey Thompson said.

The task force looking into the fires includes investigators from the city Police and Fire Departments and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. - Staff report