Arson in Emporium

Trooper David Surra of the Coudersport PSP reports that on 4-02-12 at at 2:15 PM the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshall Unit, Emporium Borough Police Department and Emporium Fire Chiefs investigated a fire that damaged the basement apartment at410 West Allegany Avenue, Emporium Borough, owned by Joseph DiBello.  The tenant of this apartment, Kenneth Labrozzi, was not at  home at the time of the fire.

It was found accelerant material was used to ignite the fire inside a refrigerator within the basement apartment.  The fire (spread) from the refrigerator to the ceiling and walls.  The fire was extinguished and contained to the basement apartment by members of the Emporium Fire Department.  All other occupants of the structure were evacuated and there were no injuries.  Estimated damages are $25,000.

This incident remains under investigation.  Anyone with information is asked to contact the Emporium Borough Police Department, 814-486-3384 or PSP Coudersport (Fire Marshall) 814-274-8690.