EL PASO, Texas -- The cost of arson damage in El Paso is up from last year, so far totaling $1.4 million.

"The arson fires that have attracted the most attention are the playground fires, which have caused over $200,000 worth of damage," said Lt. Mario Hernandez, of the El Paso Fire Department. "Just this year alone, we've had four playground fires and of course the recent night club fires."

A fire at the Chit Chat lounge earlier this week is the latest to be ruled as arson. Investigators are trying to determine who may have set the fire. Hernandez said arson fires are difficult to both prove and prosecute.

"When you conduct an investigation, a lot of the evidence caught inside, is destroyed and damaged," said Hernandez.

Hernandez said many times the fires are set overnight, leaving few, if any, witnesses. But El Paso has eight fire investigators to overcome those obstacles, and the Sun City is above the national average in solving arson cases.

"This year we've had less arson fires, but we've had more arrests," said Hernandez.

Arson is a second-degree felony, and those caught could face up to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.