The semi-detached unit is located on the 2000 block of Edgemont Avenue.
Police and fire officials were called to the scene sometime before 3:00 a.m. when one a neighbor, who had gotten up to use the bathroom, heard a noise and contacted authorities.
They were suspicious because no one was supposed to be there - witnesses say the home was recently condemned and under police regulation.
27-year-old Mohsin Khawaja was arrested inside with kerosene and gasoline soaked tarps and acetylene tanks.
Khawaja was arrested before any fire could begin and no one was hurt.
Residents on either side of the semi-detached house were home at the time, including a family with young kids.
Khawaja will be arraigned on Monday afternoon.
