Local News in Brief : Fires Hit 5 Beauty Salons

City fire officials are investigating links between five fires set in nine hair and nail salons in the Van Nuys area since February. Damage to the nine beauty salons was estimated at more than $1 million.

Investigators know of no motive for the arson, Fire Inspector Ed Reed said.

“The only common thread we have is that all the cases had the same method. There was forced entry . . . a fire was set,” he said.

“I am confused by it,” said Tina Tran, whose salon, Tina Nails, suffered an estimated $150,000 damage last week. “Who could do this? I think some crazy is out there doing this. I had a good business. It had been going up. Now it’s gone.”