State police and neighbors want to know if the latest fire in the West Hazleton area is the work of a firebug.
Troopers along with firefighters were back at the scene of a garage fire which broke out late Monday afternoon in Hazle Township
"The fire is undetermined at this point. If I can work through those issues that need to be addressed it could be classified as accidental or intentionally set," said state police fire marshal David Klitsch.
The owner of the burned-out garage, Cindy Kantner, believes the fire was set. "I had to believe that someone was in there that wasn't supposed to be. I do believe someone had a reason. Everything my children owed was in there. dirt bikes, quads, tools," Kantner said.
What is fueling fears is the fact that earlier this week, fire investigators said a garage and home in nearby West Hazleton were intentionally set.
Tara Chipelesky and other neighbors fear the garage fire was also targeted by the firebug. "It's scary. I have children. What says they wouldn't set your house on fire instead of a garage?" Chipelesky asked.
Her relative, Mary Helen Brosinski, said she is vigilant. "I have the dogs and she has very sensitive ears and any sound she hears, I am out looking, I am really out looking both ways," Brosinski said.
Until the West Hazleton firebug is caught, fire marshal David Klitsch has some advice. "It is a concern. I would ask everyone to be vigilant, keep their eyes open and notify law enforcement if they have any suspicions or observe any activity. Lights are a deterrent for crime. Keep your exterior lights on, keep your doors locked, your garages locked, and vehicles locked as well," Klitsch suggested.
There is no word on when Klitsch will determine if the Hazle Township fire is the work of an arsonist.
Troopers along with firefighters were back at the scene of a garage fire which broke out late Monday afternoon in Hazle Township
"The fire is undetermined at this point. If I can work through those issues that need to be addressed it could be classified as accidental or intentionally set," said state police fire marshal David Klitsch.
The owner of the burned-out garage, Cindy Kantner, believes the fire was set. "I had to believe that someone was in there that wasn't supposed to be. I do believe someone had a reason. Everything my children owed was in there. dirt bikes, quads, tools," Kantner said.
What is fueling fears is the fact that earlier this week, fire investigators said a garage and home in nearby West Hazleton were intentionally set.
Tara Chipelesky and other neighbors fear the garage fire was also targeted by the firebug. "It's scary. I have children. What says they wouldn't set your house on fire instead of a garage?" Chipelesky asked.
Her relative, Mary Helen Brosinski, said she is vigilant. "I have the dogs and she has very sensitive ears and any sound she hears, I am out looking, I am really out looking both ways," Brosinski said.
Until the West Hazleton firebug is caught, fire marshal David Klitsch has some advice. "It is a concern. I would ask everyone to be vigilant, keep their eyes open and notify law enforcement if they have any suspicions or observe any activity. Lights are a deterrent for crime. Keep your exterior lights on, keep your doors locked, your garages locked, and vehicles locked as well," Klitsch suggested.
There is no word on when Klitsch will determine if the Hazle Township fire is the work of an arsonist.
