A fire that happened earlier this month in Dover has sparked concerns about vacant properties becoming a public safety issue.
The Dover Fire Department said on Dec. 2 it responded to a home on Martin Street that had gone up in flames. According to the Dover Fire Department, the home had been vacant for years though an investigation found indications that someone had been residing in the home.
On Wednesday, the severely fire-damaged home was surrounded by caution tape. The words "dope house" could be seen spray-painted on the side.
"It makes everything around it look terrible. I mean business owners have businesses and right down the street there's people living in these abandoned houses," said Carol Parenteau, who has worked down the street from the home for years.