Firefighters respond to suspicious blazes

NEW CASTLE, Pa. — City firefighters were called to two suspicious fires within blocks of each other.

Fire Chief Tom Bulisco said firefighters were called to 812 Croton Ave. at 2:33 a.m. Thursday after police were called to the house for a burglary and discovered a fire.

Bulisco said homeowners John and Kathy Cordish were in the process of moving, and all utilities were shut off. Firefighters said they found fire in the front living room, and the house appeared to have been ransacked. There was smoke and water damage throughout the house.

Firefighters were then called to a second fire just a few blocks away at 706 Cumberland Ave. at 3:03 a.m. Thursday.

Bulisco said the home had been vacant but was being remodeled. He said there was heavy fire on both floors, and the house was destroyed by the flames. Bulisco said they had been to 706 Cumberland Ave. on Sept. 5 after someone had poured gasoline throughout the first floor, but did not ignite it. Bulisco did not know who owned the home.