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Series of Suspected Arsons Across Williamsport Under Investigation

The Williamsport Bureau of Police and the Williamsport Bureau of Fire launched a joint investigation on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, following a series of suspected arsons across multiple locations in the city. Authorities reported four incidents, each involving intentional fires or vandalism, throughout the day.

Williamsport Bureau of Fire engine     

Williamsport Bureau of Fire engine     

Photo Credit: Williamsport Bureau of Fire

The first incident unfolded at 5:00 a.m. at the Pajama Factory’s parking lot on 1307 Park Ave., where officers and firefighters responded to several vandalized vehicles, including one set ablaze. At 6:20 a.m., emergency responders were dispatched to the 170 Rose St. area for multiple small brush fires near a parking lot.

By mid-morning, at 9:00 a.m., another fire was reported involving a couch on the sidewalk at 1066 Vine Ave., which affected nearby vehicles. The day’s final call came at 12:31 p.m., this time at a parking deck on 115 W Third St., where two vehicles were found vandalized and subject to an intentionally set fire.

While firefighters quickly contained the flames at each scene, preventing severe structural damage, the investigation remains active. Authorities clarified that there were no injuries and that they are not currently linking these arson cases to an unrelated church fire in the city.

Investigators are also looking into two unrelated incidents of dumpster fires that appeared accidental: a smoldering dumpster at 1070 Vine Ave. on Sunday, Nov. 3 at 2 a.m., and a fire behind a structure at 140 Via Bella on Friday, Nov. 1 at 3 p.m.

All of these arson incidents happened during an area-wide burn ban:

Police are urging anyone with information about these incidents to contact the Williamsport Fire Department at 570-329-3821 or submit an anonymous tip online. 

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