Pocono News Section

Harvest Moon Plaza Arson

Harvest Moon Plaza Arson - Monday, February 18, 2008 at 3:01PM EST

Reported by: Jeremy Deebel
Monday, Feb 18, 2008 @03:01pm EST
Woodward Township, Lycoming County- Investigators say they believe an overnight fire at a popular Central Pennsylvania restaurant plaza was intentionally set.

That fire was set out back behind the Harvest Moon Plaza and Restaurant on Route 220 South between Williamsport and Jersey Shore. Co-owner Barry Heller noted, "We had a very fast response from Woodward Township Fire Hall. Very fast."

It was that very fast response, from Woodward Township, as well as five other fire companies, that minimized the amount of damage done after fire broke out just after 3AM Monday morning at the Harvest Moon Plaza and Restaurant. "Basically the flame was on the outside of the building. With the fog being as bad as it was this morning, you really couldn't indicate the difference between smoke or fog," Heller said.

About $50,000 in damage was done, mostly to an office room and a walk-in storage freezer. There was also slight smoke and water damage to the store area. Firefighters had the blaze under control in about 30 minutes. A state police fire investigator says all the evidence points to arson. "I mean it definitely upsets you, you know, that somebody would have the guts to do that. But unfortunately there are people out there that get off on this kind of thing. So it's a sickening thought in itself," Heller added.

Thankfully, there were no injuries this morning. The building was empty, as renovations to the store area are underway. The owners say the fire is a disappointing setback, but they still expect to re-open in about a month.

The investigation into exactly who may have started this early morning blaze at the Harvest Moon Plaza and Restaurant is continuing today. Anyone with information is urged to contact State Police at Montoursville. That number is 570-368-5700.