Pocono News Section

Intentionally Set Fire Traps Handicapped Man

Intentionally Set Fire Traps Handicapped Man - Wednesday, January 16, 2008 at 12:07PM EST

Reported by: Kerry Shahen
Wednesday, Jan 16, 2008 @12:07pm EST
HAZLETON, LUZERNE COUNTY- Four people sleeping in their Hazleton home woke up to the smell of smoke.

Firefighters were on scene less than hour before determining the porch fire at 344 East Diamond Street was arson.

Hazleton Fire Department Deputy Chief Shawn Jones said, "Nothing around, no electricity, no nothing on the porch, there was just a swing on the front porch."

Firefighters got the call at 7:30 A.M. "Two children on their way to school saw smoke coming from the porch went to the porch, saw fire on the porch ran back home called 911 and that's how we were dispatched," added Jones.

Regina Dabney, her husband and 2 daughters were all sleeping inside when the fire started. "All I did was smell the smoke, but my oldest daughter saw the porch was on fire and called the police," said Dabney.

Jones reported, "When we arrived on scene there was a heavy volume of fire on the front porch of the house. Most of the residents were out. One person on the second floor had to be rescued because of heavy smoke in the building."

Dabney's husband was taken to Hazleton General Hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation, but is expected to be okay. Dabney and her family couldn't believe the fire was intentionally set. "I have no idea, I don't know actually why someone would want to do it, but I am pretty shocked," she said.

The flames never made it inside the Hazleton home and the damage was confined to the porch. The investigation continues.