By Ben Wolfgang
The Republican & Herald
MINERSVILLE, Pa. — An arsonist struck a fire company president’s home early Saturday morning, causing more than $40,000 in damage, according to state police.
The home of Paul Kennedy, 546 Third St., Branch Township, was set ablaze about 1:26 a.m., Kennedy said.
Kennedy is president of Good Intent Hose Company No. 1, Llewellyn, and also serves as deputy county coroner.
“We are investigating this as an incendiary fire. State police have collected several items of interest from the scene,” Kevin Reichert, fire marshal with state police at Reading, said Saturday afternoon outside Kennedy’s home.
The fire, Reichert said, may be connected to several other recent fires in the area, although he and Good Intent officials would not name which ones.
Other recent arsons in the area include last month’s torching of the former Llewellyn Hotel at Route 209 and Phoenix Park Road.
Saturday morning’s fire began in the rear of Kennedy’s home, although Reichert did not say whether it started inside or outside. Damage was contained to the back of the house.
“The fire department did an awesome job,” Kennedy said Saturday afternoon. “But, it’ll be awhile before I can live here.”
Kennedy said he plans to stay with friends in the area while his home is repaired.
He estimated $20,000 in damage to the house itself and another $25,000 in lost items inside.
Reichert said anyone with information related to the fire is asked to call the Berks County tip line at 877-373-9913.
He also said there is a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the arsonist.
Copyright 2009