Man arrested, charged after fire spreads through 6 Allentown homes, injuring 7

ALLENTOWN, Pa. - One man has been arrested and is facing attempted homicide and arson charges after a fire that spread throughout multiple homes in Allentown.

60-year-old Santos Mota-Ramirez has been charged with attempted criminal homicide, aggravated assault, aggravated arson, among other charges, officials said.

Firefighters were called to the blaze around 4:30 Thursday afternoon, on the 700 block of Cedar Street.

When they arrived, they contended with flames that were quickly spreading to nearby rowhomes on the compact street.

The fire was burning so intensely and spreading so rapidly, crews called a 3rd alarm, requesting additional help to fight the blaze.

The fire was brought under control around 7 p.m. and fire crews were on scene until nearly 11 p.m.

Investigators say it all started with a domestic incident. Prosecutors say Motas-Ramirez is accused of trying to kill a woman he lived with in the home of the initial fire.

Chief of Prosecutions in the Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office, Patricia Fuentes Mulqueen, said, "The attempted homicide, there’s one count for the initial victim, who he was trying to kill by stabbing her. The other attempted homicide is for the woman who is in the basement, because he set this fire when she was down there."

Police and firefighters rescued the woman in the basement through a vent and authorities say she remains in critical condition.

Seven people in total were hospitalized, including the woman rescued from the basement, as well as four firefighters who were treated for minor injuries.

At least six homes were damaged, and several are condemned, while 30 people have been displaced, according to authorities. The Red Cross also responded to support the fire victims.

Mota-Ramirez is in custody and has been arraigned. His preliminary hearing is January 3rd, 2025.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.