ROCHESTER, Pa. — Investigators said they believe a multi-structure, three-alarm fire that 15 fire departments responded to in Rochester, Beaver County, Tuesday morning was intentionally set.
Channel 11's Lori Houy reported that two houses and two apartment buildings on Case Street were burned in a fire that started around 8:30 a.m. Intense flames and heavy smoke were visible for miles before firefighters were able to gain control of the blaze.
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Wayne Witt was driving when he spotted the blaze and ran to alert anyone who might be inside.
“I pulled up with my car and pulled over to the side and seen the black smoke coming out of the window. I ran over and kicked open the door to see if anyone was in there,” he said. “The smoke beat me up, and I ran back out. I kicked in the other doors to let them know there's a fire and to get out of the house.”
Firefighters believe the fire started in the middle house and then spread to the three other structures.
Justin Westerman lived in the house next door. He said he became concerned when at first he couldn’t find his girlfriend, her mother and three kids.
“I come running up from work and I didn't see anyone, so I started yelling. I finally found them. Now I'm waiting on the animals,” said Westerman.
Fire officials said that everyone who lived in the homes were able to escape. A man who uses a wheelchair was rescued from an apartment.
In total, six families, including nine adults and four children, were displaced as a result of the fire.
The Red Cross is providing assistance to the families.
The investigation is ongoing.
WPXI
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