by KYW's Brad Segall, Kim Glovas, and Al Novack
Authorities in Coatesville confirm they’ve interviewed persons of interest in connection with more than a dozen arson fires that have hit this community since the beginning of the year, but as of Tuesday morning there were no arrests.
A state of emergency has been declared in the city of Coatesville, following a weekend arson fire that destroyed 15 homes in the 300 block of Fleetwood Street -- the 14th deliberately set blaze in the past month alone.
In a briefing on Monday afternoon, officials in Chester County said they're implementing what they call a "unified command concept" as local, state, and federal authorities ramp up resources in an attempt to find the person or persons responsible for the series of arsons that have hit Coatesville since last year.
Coatesville Police Chief William Matthews says they need the residents to be their eyes and ears, reporting any suspicious activity:
“These people know no boundaries. Crime knows no boundaries. So it’s important for all of us to pull together -- it’s important for the community to pull together. Right now what we need to do is wrap our arms around each other and get this done.”
Meanwhile, the Coatesville Country Club is serving as the central drop-off for donations to the fire victims.
Club manager Laura DelPercio says many of the victims didn't even have homeowners insurance. She says the focus now is on gathering new or gently used clothing, of all sizes, gift cards or money to help those burned out of their homes.
You can drop off such items at the country club at 143 Reservoir Road in Coatesville. For more information, call 610-384-3200.
DelPercio says she doesn't know any of the victims personally, but the tragedy touched her heart and she decided she needed to do something to help.
Checks should be made out to the Southeastern Chapter of the American Red Cross.
Donations will be accepted through Friday of this week from 9am to 5pm, and on Saturday from 9am to 7pm.
Much of Sunday was spent mopping up after the huge five-alarm fire which forced some four dozen people from their homes.
Police patrols and even local citizen watches have been stepped up. The Red Cross and local church groups are trying help those left homeless.
The city of Coatesville's state of emergency will continue as investigators try to figure out who is responsible for 14 fires in January, and even more before the new year.
Some think gangs may be responsible, but no one knows for sure. There have been no arrests and this resident summed the feelings of many:
"I'm very mad that something like this had to happen."
The citizens crime commission, which is offering a reward for information leading to an arrest, urges people to call 215-546-TIPS.
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