Point Breeze blaze ruled arson; $12,500 reward offered
POINT BREEZE (WPVI) -- A massive fire in the Point Breeze section of Philadelphia has been ruled arson, and now reward of up to $12,500 is being offered as the investigation continues.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms put up $10,000 of the money and says it is for the arrest and conviction of the person responsible.
Philadelphia City Councilman Kenyatta Johnson added the other $2,500.
"Acts of arson are dangerous crimes and threaten the community. ATF is committed to keeping the public safe from those who maliciously set fires," said ATF Special Agent in Charge Sam Rabadi said in a statement.
The fire destroyed several residential properties at 20th and Wharton that were either complete or under construction early Monday morning.
Firefighters not only had to deal with the flames, but also a collapse as the flames consumed the buildings.
They were able to contain the blaze and place the situation under control within an hour.
Investigators have not said what a possible motive could be for setting the fire.
Residents said on Monday that the neighborhood in general was excited about the new homes, but not everyone was welcoming of the development.
"The developer is a friend of ours," said resident Chris Payne on Monday. "It's kind of been under contention because of gentrification issues. Some people who've lived in this neighborhood for a long time were not looking forward to seeing this development go in."
Anyone with information is asked to call the ATF 24/7 hotline at 1-888-ATF-FIRE (1-888-283-3473), email ATFTips@atf.gov or submit a tip anonymously by using the ReportIt App on your mobile phone.
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