Latest arson reignites fear in Pa. town

COATESVILLE, Pa. (AP) — The latest deliberately set fire in Coatesville has reignited the fears of residents of the arson-plagued Philadelphia suburb who had begun to breathe easier after the arrest of two suspects.

The blaze — the 20th of this year — badly damaged two homes at around 1:30 a.m. Saturday in the distressed steel town of about 11,000 residents. It was the first arson in almost three weeks — the last occurring Feb. 22 in a school bus yard outside the city.

The latest fire broke out a day after the preliminary hearing for a man accused of setting blazes between Jan. 2 and Feb. 3, including a massive fire that severely damaged 15 row homes. Roger Leon Barlow Jr., 19, of Downington, was held for trial on charges of arson and aggravated assault. He has pleaded innocent.

Authorities last month also announced charges against another 19-year-old man in connection with the arsons.