(BCN) A day after vandals set four cars ablaze and scorched and spray-painted another five in a residential neighborhood in Willow Glen, questions remain for San Jose fire investigators wondering today who started the fires and why.

San Jose fire Capt. Alberto Olmos said investigators aren't exactly sure how the fires ignited, but confirmed, "It was definitely arson."

He added that the fires appear to be random and that no car owner in particular was targeted.

Investigators are working "some active leads," Olmos said, though he declined to comment further on those leads.

Door-to-door interviews and evidence gathered from the fire scenes have moved the investigation along, however, Olmos said arson investigators need all the help they can get from the public.

"We need the community to help with more information, especially if anyone has seen anything suspicious at the night of the fire or knows something that could be useful," Olmos said.

A newspaper deliverer reported the first fire in the 1900 block of Coastland Avenue just before 4 a.m. Wednesday. About half an hour later, the second fire was reported in the 1700 block of Johnston Avenue just a few blocks away. Another 15 minutes or so later, firefighters received word of two cars on fire in the nearby area of Coastland and Curtner avenues. That fire also briefly threatened a nearby home but was put out before causing any damage.

One car, a Mercedes-Benz, suffered some salvageable damage to the rear whereas the other three burned vehicles, including a Mazda Miata, were "a total loss," San Jose fire Capt. Anthony Pianto said Wednesday.

The five vandalized cars were spray-painted and suffered some charring damage. Pianto said investigators could not make out any significant writing on those vehicles.

Anyone with information about these vehicle fires is urged to call the San Jose Fire Department arson division at (408) 27-ARSON.