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By ELIZABETH EVANS and HEIDI BERNHARD-BUBB
The York Dispatch (Pennsylvania)
When York Haven Fire Chief Tommy Snelbaker arrived at what would turn into a four-alarm mobile-home blaze, he found the resident outside, with burns over about 70 percent of his body.
Eugene Daugherty, 63, confessed to torching his 1015 Conewago Ave. home in Newberry Township shortly after 6:30 a.m. yesterday, according to the chief.
“He literally told me it was deliberately set — that he set it,” Snelbaker said. “I understand ... that he’s having marital problems and he didn’t want his wife to have any of the possessions.”
Daugherty did not reveal how he allegedly started the blaze.
“That’s under the investigation of the state police fire marshal,” Snelbaker said.
Daugherty suffered first- and second-degree burns on his face and body, the chief said. He was rushed to York Hospital, then flown by medical helicopter to Bayview Burn Center in Baltimore. He remained in critical condition there this morning, a hospital spokeswoman said.
Two firefighters suffered minor injuries while battling the blaze and were treated and released from York Hospital, according to Snelbaker. A Manchester firefighter from Union Fire Co. suffered a small burn on his arm, and a firefighter from Susquehanna Fire Co. of York Haven developed a breathing problem, the chief said.
Snelbaker said the structural damage estimate for the home, which had an addition built on, is $78,000. No damage estimate was available this morning for the destroyed contents.
Investigating: Newberry Township Police were first called to the scene for a report of an explosion.
Although the blaze has already been ruled arson, township officers and a state police fire marshal continue to investigate to determine the complete course of events, police said.
It’s not yet clear whether Daugherty will face arson charges — but he is facing domestic-abuse charges, for an alleged altercation with his estranged wife at his home Saturday, police said.
The woman, whose name has not yet been released, was not seriously hurt during the encounter, police said.
Police said the woman apparently was not living at the Conewago Avenue home.
Assisting York Haven at the scene were firefighters from Manchester, Goldsboro, Strinestown, North York, Dover and Mount Wolf.