PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. -- Police and fire investigators are looking for an arsonist after four early Sunday morning fires in Plattsburgh, NewsChannel 5 reported.

Just before 6 a.m., firefighters responded to two house fires, one garage fire and a car fire, all within a five to six block radius, according to authorities.

"I ended up waking up to the shouts, sounds of rushing water," said witness James Dupree. "I went to wake up my roommate, and her two friends up in front, and we got out of the apartment."

In all, there were four fires in about 40 minutes, according to officials.

A car was apparently set on fire on Court Street around 5:15 a.m., and a fire tore through a garage nearby, ruining some cars.

Then, a few houses away, the biggest fire raged in a building, forcing a rescue.

"As far as I know, there were no injuries," said Plattsburgh Fire Department Chief James Squires. "There were some people trapped in one building when firefighters arrived. They were able to work with police and able to (be evacuated) from all the buildings."

The last fire burned some property on Broad Street, authorities said.

Police believe the fires, due to their proximity, were related and most likely caused by arson.

Investigators will now try to determine how the fires were set, and will search the neighborhood.

Some have suggested that the culprits were students at nearby Plattsburgh State, but residents called for calm in the chaotic situation.

"I know these kids. These kids are my friends," said Suzanne Irwin. "A college kid would not do this. We have an arsonist in our midst."

"When you're talking arson it could be anybody," said Plattsburgh Mayor Dan Stewart. "It can't be attributed to any college student or one person, this person or that person."

There had already been four suspected arsons in the city in April, and police admitted that there has been a concentration for fires in the center city area.

Each earlier case would be investigated, but it is unsure if they are linked to Sunday's blazes, police said.

There have been no reports of injuries, and police do not have any suspects at this point.

If you have any information, contact the Plattsburgh Police Department.

Stay with NewsChannel 5 for more on this story.