Fire investigators said a massive blaze in Schuylkill County Saturday was arson.
Newswatch 16 spoke to several people in New Philadelphia about the fire at Moe's Pub. They said they are angry that someone intentionally set the fire, putting many lives in danger.
Moe's Pub in New Philadelphia is boarded up after a fire early Saturday morning gutted the place and destroyed two homes next door. Family members of the homeowners were busy assessing the damage there.
Fire investigators said the massive blaze was a case of arson.
"It makes me angry, yes, especially with my kids living around here," said Kalvin Baker. He lives across the street from Moe's Pub and watched it go up in flames.
Flames were coming from every window of the building. Crews from around the area were called in to get the fire under control.
Hours after it started a state police fire marshal was called in and determined someone deliberately set the fire.
"It's a real concern. This is an old town. There are a lot of old structures in town," said Chief Allen Gilbert.
Chief Al Gilbert with the Good Intent Fire Company said most of the crews fighting the fire were volunteers.
"It just really upsets me. Being volunteers, a lot of people risk their lives to come out, fight that fire and like I said, it really upsets me," added Chief Gilbert.
"I was here battling the blaze. It's a shocker to learn that somebody intentionally set it. We had a lot of lives at risk with my fellow firefighters," said Patrick Hill with Citizen's Fire Company.
Officials said it was not the first fire to hit the block. The home next door burned in the past few months.
"So now we have this bar, it's making me wonder is there a firebug in my town. It's upsetting," said Hill.
Many people in the community hope investigators find whoever is responsible for the fire at Moe's.
"I hope the person that set this one is brought to justice because this was a bad one," added Hill.
Fire officials say they are investigating the arson. Anyone with information is asked to call state police in Frackville at 570-874-5300.
Newswatch 16 spoke to several people in New Philadelphia about the fire at Moe's Pub. They said they are angry that someone intentionally set the fire, putting many lives in danger.
Moe's Pub in New Philadelphia is boarded up after a fire early Saturday morning gutted the place and destroyed two homes next door. Family members of the homeowners were busy assessing the damage there.
Fire investigators said the massive blaze was a case of arson.
"It makes me angry, yes, especially with my kids living around here," said Kalvin Baker. He lives across the street from Moe's Pub and watched it go up in flames.
Flames were coming from every window of the building. Crews from around the area were called in to get the fire under control.
Hours after it started a state police fire marshal was called in and determined someone deliberately set the fire.
"It's a real concern. This is an old town. There are a lot of old structures in town," said Chief Allen Gilbert.
Chief Al Gilbert with the Good Intent Fire Company said most of the crews fighting the fire were volunteers.
"It just really upsets me. Being volunteers, a lot of people risk their lives to come out, fight that fire and like I said, it really upsets me," added Chief Gilbert.
"I was here battling the blaze. It's a shocker to learn that somebody intentionally set it. We had a lot of lives at risk with my fellow firefighters," said Patrick Hill with Citizen's Fire Company.
Officials said it was not the first fire to hit the block. The home next door burned in the past few months.
"So now we have this bar, it's making me wonder is there a firebug in my town. It's upsetting," said Hill.
Many people in the community hope investigators find whoever is responsible for the fire at Moe's.
"I hope the person that set this one is brought to justice because this was a bad one," added Hill.
Fire officials say they are investigating the arson. Anyone with information is asked to call state police in Frackville at 570-874-5300.
