3 overnight fires on one street found to be arson; officials looking for help from public
Girardville, Schuylkill Co. — Firefighters had to put out 3 separate fires on B street in Girardville early this morning. State Police have determined the causes to be arson.
“And that was a trash can lit on fire," said Chief Frank Zangari, the Girardville Bourogh Fire Chief. "While the firefighters were putting out the garage shed fire, we got a third call, this was all simultaneous.”
Zangaris says they reported to the fully involved garage and shed fire after 2:30 this morning. It destroyed 2 garages and a shed as well as 3 vehicles including a 1952 Buick.
He said they were able to stop it before it affected a 3rd garage filled with paint cans.
“Gallon container, one gallon. So if that caught fire, we would’ve had a tremendous fire there," said Zangaris.
The other fires were a garbage can fire and a brush fire near the borough office where they found accelerants nearby.
Zangaris does not believe that these arsons are connected to the Shenandoah arsons.
“Personally don’t believe it’s connected. Just by the evidence we’ve already collected," said Zangaris.
FOX56 spoke to Girardville council President Charles Marquardt about their concerns following the arsons.
“And we’re worried because we have other properties on that street that maybe nobody’s living in or garages, sheds stuff like that," said Marquardt. "And that’s throughout the whole town, that’s not just on B Street.”
The fire chief, police and the borough are still investigating the fires and are asking resident on B Street for any home camera footage that might help.
“Camera support would be really helpful if they can turn anything into the police department or the fire chief, that would be great," said Marquardt.
Marquardt says they want to solve this as soon as possible before more damage is done or anyone gets injured.
“You know whatever it takes to get the job done, we got to get it done," said Marquardt. "We got to bring the people to justice who are doing this.”
The number for State Police is (570) 874-5300. The number for Gerardville fire is (570) 276-6922.
