YORK COUNTY, Pa. – Three juveniles are charged for setting a fire that destroyed an abandon house in Manchester Borough on the 4th of July. Neighbors reported the fire at 3:35 pm. at the house on 270 Park Street. Northeastern Regional Police along with several fire departments responded to the scene.
Because it was an abandoned structure, firefighters fought the blaze entirely from the outside. Tankers were called in to supply water. Firefighters were on the scene for nearly three hours.
A witnessed reported seeing three juveniles at the scene of the fire. He stopped to ask them if they needed help. The juveniles ran off into the woods behind the residence.
An investigation revealed that two males and one female, ages 14 to 17, got into the house through window and once inside, some paper was set on fire with a lighter.
The house had been abandoned for several years but was secured with locks. It was also boarded up with screws to prevent trespassers from getting inside. Trespassing signs were also posted on the property. This did not deter the juveniles from entering the house.
Two of the three juveniles have cooperated with the investigation and have provided statements. Charges of Arson and related offenses will filed in juvenile court.
