Two juveniles have been arrested for sparking a fire that destroyed several Pennsylvania homes and left dozens displaced.
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The adolescent arsonists ignited the fire within an abandoned warehouse in Allentown on Wednesday night, but the flames quickly swept throughout the neighborhood, WPVI reported.
Six homes, as well as the former furniture warehouse, were destroyed in the massive fire.
Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin P. Holihan and Allentown Police Chief Charles Roca announced Friday that the two unnamed youths were in custody and their charges will be handled in juvenile court. The juveniles' names and ages were not released.
The charges against them include arson, recklessly endangering another person, conspiracy, and causing a catastrophe. The investigation is ongoing, Holihan said.
Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk called the blaze "one of the most significant fires in the city of Allentown's history."
"Our hearts go out to the people who were affected and who are going through the most difficult, unimaginable time," Tuerk said. "We're grateful for everybody who stepped up and helped those individuals. We know that everyone is going to continue to show up, because that's what Allentonians do."
Local resident Robert Velez was shocked to discover the suspects were minors.
"This is my home," he told WPVI, adding that his wife was visiting relatives when the fire tore through the buildings. "She's really devastated. "It's just crazy that any kids did that."
Another resident was devastated by the fallout of the fire.
"Never seen anything like this," local Ben Pope told WPVI, adding, "It's sad they just ruined the rest of their lives — all for nothing. Affected all of these people."
A massive cleanup is underway.
No Deaths Were Reported in the Allentown Fire
Tuerk thanked the firefighters who stopped the blaze from causing further damage.
"I think pretty much every firefighter in the city of Allentown was on scene helping out that night through unbelievably hot flames," he said.
Allentown Fire Chief Efrain Agosto said the fire was one of the most intense his crew had ever encountered.
"When we arrived, the flames were already through the roof and out through every single window," Agosto said.
Under Pennsylvania juvenile law, detained youths must have a hearing before a judge within 72 hours. Punishment for arson can range from probation to time in a locked juvenile detention facility.
