NEWS INFORMATION FROM

THE OFFICE OF MAYOR STEPHEN R. REED
City of Harrisburg
King City Government Center
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1678
Telephone: 717.255.3040

FOR IMMEDIATE USE
08 May 2006

2 ARSON FIRES UNDER INVESTIGATION

Mayor Stephen R. Reed today reported that State Police, county and city fire marshals are jointly investigating two arson fires that occurred in less than 24 hours in Harrisburg over the weekend.

The first was Sunday morning at 1:40 a.m. and turned into a 2-alarm or General Alarm fire at the former Vanity Bar structure at 14th and Regina Streets, where some remodeling work was underway. The fire there was set at two points of origin---one on the exterior and the other by setting fire to materials in the middle room of the second floor. Damage is estimated at $60,000.

The second was Monday morning just after Midnight when firefighters were summoned to a row of three homes at 216-218-220 S. 13th Street. Two of the structures were fully involved, with flames shooting from windows and roofs. The fire was visible for miles on the East and West shores.

The extent and spread of fire elevated this fire to a 3-alarm blaze, bringing all city fire units and volunteer fire companies from throughout the East and West shores.

This fire was also set at two locations, although one site burned itself out and did not spread---which was located next to an exterior door at 220 S. 13th Street where a box of clothing was set on fire. The second site, which did spread and caused the resulting blaze, involved materials set afire in the middle room of the second floor of 218 S. 13th Street.

This fire became so engulfing that firefighters who initially entered the three burning structures had to be ordered out for their own safety. Most of the fire attack was then conducted from the exterior of the buildings. Damage is estimated at $120,000 to all three structures, two of which are extensively damaged. Their structural integrity is being checked by city Codes Officers.

Reed said fire marshals are seeking to speak with a Kevin T. Brown, whose driver’s license lists a York address. He is a person of interest in this investigation. He has had several Harrisburg addresses as well, and was staying periodically at 220 S. 13th Street and also in the 1400 block of Regina Street. He is not labeled as a suspect at this time.

The two arson fires do have similarities and may or may not have been set by the same person. There were no injuries in either incident.