Officials: 3 vehicles, one home intentionally set on fire in Overbrook
OVERBROOK - An investigation is underway after a string of allegedly intentional fires caused extensive damage along a street in Overbrook Thursday morning.
Fire crews responded to several fires on Atwood Road around 2 a.m.
Officials say three vehicles, including a pickup truck and dump truck, were set on fire intentionally. The fire then quickly spread to a nearby house.
Video from the scene showed three burned vehicles, along with the scorched side of the home.
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Cell phone footage captured by the daughter of homeowner Sheila Alexander shows a massive blaze completely engulfing a pickup truck on Diamond Street.
"My son heard a big boom, so he woke me up around midnight. When I came outside, the cars were on fire. They were trying to put them out," Alexander's daughter explained.
Philadelphia police confirm an investigation into the fire is ongoing, but had no further comment.
Alexander rushed home when she heard about the flames. She says she's eternally grateful for the quick response of police and fire departments. "I praise them. I praise them because they were here so fast. We could have been without a home, without anywhere to go. I just feel sorry for my neighbor next door, because the second car that got burnt was hers."
Philadelphia police ask anyone with information to please contact them. Tips can be submitted by calling 215-686-TIPS (8477) or texting PPD TIP (773847). Tips can also be submitted anonymously online, here. All tips are confidential.