Fire officials in Newburgh think illegal fireworks may have caused two recent fires in the area.

Three families were forced from their apartments on Chamber Street Wednesday after one of the fires. Firefighters said they found numerous used fireworks near the building, which they took into evidence. The investigation is still pending, but authorities said the flames may have been sparked when fireworks landed in debris inside a gutter. Fire officials have been suspicious of illegal firework activity in the area. This past weekend, another home around the corner from the Chamber Street address caught fire in a very similar fashion.

Officials said the city sponsors a fireworks event in order to keep people safe.