3rd fire on same block sparks concern in Chester

CHESTER, Pa. (WPVI) -- Authorities in Chester held a news conference Wednesday afternoon after the third fire in less than a week on the same block.

"Three fires, all houses, same row...something ain't right someplace," said resident Patricia Clements.

Three fires in four days, not just on the same block, but all right next to each other.

Today, police have been positioned by the six row homes on the 400 block of Bickley Place that have been damaged or destroyed.

More than 20 people have been displaced in this series of fires. Some believe this is no accident.

David Wright of Lansdowne says, "I think that someone is interested in buying up these houses, properties and getting them cheap and coming back, rehabbing the houses and charging you an arm and a leg."

The first in the series of fires started Saturday at 420 Bickley, an unoccupied house.

Then early Monday morning firefighters were back battling a blaze that began at 418 Bickley, also vacant. That one spread to several more homes.

Tuesday night around 10:00 p.m. crews arrived to heavy flames in 410 Bickley, where a family lives.

"My mother is 76-years-old. She woke me up, she said it's a fire. I could't believe it, again?" resident Santiago Garcia told Action News.

A second alarm was sounded at 10:20 p.m. The fire was placed under control at 10:55 p.m.

"These are the end of the row," said Chester Fire Department Battalion Chief Steven Quigley, referring to Tuesday night's blaze. "The fire a couple days ago was further down the row, a couple days before that even further down the row."

No injuries have been reported, but more than 20 people are now out their homes.

The Chester Police Department's crime scene unit carried evidence from Tuesday night's fire scene. Neighbors told Action News they are worried they haven't seen the last of the fires here.

"It's crazy," said Anne Stephens. "It's dangerous. People live here."

Chester's fire commissioner and mayor were among officials who said they are working to get to the bottom of this.

Police officials say they've had officers on constant patrol. An arson task force comprised of state police, the Delaware County Criminal Investigation Division, and the police and fire departments are now involved in the investigation.

The investigation continues, and officials say they are not calling it arson yet, but the fires are certainly suspicious.

The Red Cross is assisting 28 people - seven families displaced because of the fires.

They say it's very lucky, no one has been hurt in all this.