The fire happened at a home in the 700 block of Cedar Avenue in the Croydon section of Bristol Township on August 8.
Gavin Ross Montoya, 27; Charles William Vandenberg, 50; and Thomas J. Parker, 36, were charged following an extensive investigation by the Bristol Township Police Department. All three are from Croydon, according to police.
Investigators allege that Montoya intentionally set fire to a van that was parked in the driveway outside the home, which caused the fire to quickly spread to the side of the house.
"We have a planner, someone who came up with the idea," said Sgt. Jason Mancuso of Bristol Township Police. "We have a driver, and then we have an individual that followed through with the act."
Authorities say they used surveillance video, cell phone records, and witness interviews to build the case.
Officials say that Vandenberg allegedly solicited Montoya to set fire to the van, and that Parker allegedly drove Montoya to and from the scene, with the belief that he was going to rob the people inside the home for drugs.
There were five people inside the home at the time, who were all asleep. Luckily, they were able to get out safely.
Detectives said they were able to use surveillance video in the area that showed an individual, allegedly later identified as Montoya, lighting an object - possibly a flare - and tossing it into the van.
RELATED: Surveillance video shows van intentionally set on fire in Croydon, flames spread to home
Surveillance video shows van intentionally set on fire in Croydon, flames spread to home
The surveillance video also led police to a gray/silver van, which officials say was traced to Parker.
Police say Parker dropped Montoya off at the corner of Cedar Avenue and State Road, where he waited for him to return.
When Montoya returned to the vehicle, he allegedly told Parker he had set the van on fire, according to a criminal complaint.
Investigators also said they recovered text messages between Montoya to Vandenberg, where Vandenberg allegedly said, "NEED THAT VAN TORCHED." To which Montoya allegedly replied, "CAN I GET 10GS IN 2 BAGS."
The texts also showed Vandenberg allegedly directed Montoya, saying, "GET ROAD FLARE."
Montoya and Vandenberg are being charged with three counts of arson, six counts of recklessly endangering another person, and one count each of dangerous burning, possession of explosive or incendiary materials or devices, risking catastrophe, criminal mischief, possession of an instrument of crime, criminal use of a communication facility and conspiracy to commit arson.
Vandenberg was also charged with criminal solicitation to commit arson.
Parker was charged with criminal conspiracy to commit robbery and hindering apprehension.
Vandenberg was arraigned on Friday by Magisterial District Judge Terrence Hughes and was sent to Bucks County Correctional Facility under $350,000 bail.
Montoya and Parker will be arraigned at a later time.
The investigation also examined the circumstances surrounding the death of Captain of Fire Police Ed Margavich, of the Third District Volunteer Fire Company.
Captain Margavich, 80, died on August 15 due to complications from a thigh bone fracture sustained after a fall at the fire station while responding to the blaze. While his passing was honored as a line-of-duty death, the District Attorney's investigation, along with a review of relevant Pennsylvania case law, determined that the law is such that the individuals responsible for the fire cannot criminally be held liable for his death due to the specific circumstances surrounding how Captain Margavich was injured.
The fire department is now advocating for changes to the law, hoping to ensure accountability in the future.
"Eddy was out getting additional traffic cones to the scene when he fell," said Chief Howard McGoldrick. "Because he wasn't actually engaged in fire suppression activity, those guys can't be charged with the murder."
McGoldrick added, "Having him not here is just tough."
The District Attorney's Office said Margavich devoted nearly 65 years to serving and protecting others.
"His dedication saved and protected countless lives and properties and his absence will be deeply felt by all who knew him," the District Attorney's Office said.