"THEY'RE TRYING TO BURN IT DOWN": Owner Despairs After Three Arson Attacks Target Francis Street Remodel in Rochester

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Anthony Washington is locked in a heartbreaking battle to protect his investment, his hard work, and his peace of mind on Francis Street. What was supposed to be a proud renovation project has instead devolved into a recurring nightmare of smoke and ashes.

For the third time, arsonists have targeted a residential property owned and currently being remodeled by Washington.

The most recent attack was the most severe yet. Neighbors woke in the middle of the night to the terrifying sight of a massive blaze consuming the home's entire front porch. The fire quickly intensified, sending thick plumes of smoke into the Rochester night sky and threatening to spread to nearby occupied homes.

The emergency drew a massive Rochester Fire Department presence. Multiple engines and dozens of firefighters flooded Francis Street, working aggressively to extinguish the roaring flames before the entire structure was lost.

While Washington does not live in the home, the emotional and financial devastation is crippling. He has poured his time, money, and sweat equity into remodeling the property, only to watch it repeatedly targeted by an unknown predator.

"Every time I make progress, they try to destroy it," Washington said, looking at the charred ruins of his porch. "It’s devastating. I’m trying to improve this property, and someone is actively trying to burn it to the ground."

The escalating violence has left Washington feeling completely abandoned by the city's justice system. Despite the clear, repetitive pattern of targeted attacks, he says his pleas for intervention have fallen on deaf ears.

"I’ve been contacting the police constantly," Washington said, frustration tearing through his voice. "I’ve given them information, I've begged for help, but I’ve gotten very little response or assistance. It feels like nobody cares until a body is pulled out of the rubble. Must the house burn completely down before someone takes this seriously?"

The Rochester Fire Investigation Unit is currently treating the incident as a confirmed arson. However, as the smell of smoke lingers over Francis Street, Washington is left to pick up the pieces of his shattered project—terrified of what will happen the next time he turns his back.