Tired of ads? Subscribers enjoy a distraction-free reading experience.
Click here to subscribe today or Login.

WILKES-BARRE — A three-alarm fire that caused extensive damage to three homes in the city’s Heights section was set intentionally.

The fire is still under investigation after the Wilkes-Barre fire inspector determined it was arson, according to a police report issued Sunday.

According to the release:

Emergency officials were originally dispatched to 39 S. Fulton St. at about 4 p.m. Saturday and found the building fully engulfed with thick smoke surrounding the flames.

The fire quickly spread to properties on both sides of the building, 37 and 41 S. Fulton St.

The property at 39 S. Fulton St., where the fire originated, was vacant.

Three adults and three children were displaced by the fire and assisted by the American Red Cross.

City detectives are asking anyone with information about the fire to contact the Wilkes-Barre Police Department.

The fire was not the only arson in the Heights section of the city in recent weeks. A fire at 46-48 S. Sherman St. on Aug. 15 was also determined to be intentionally set.

Police have not said the fires were connected.

https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/web1_fire-4.jpg.optimal.jpg

Patrick Kernan | Times Leader
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/web1_fire-1-10.jpg.optimal.jpgPatrick Kernan | Times Leader

By Geri Gibbons

For Times Leader

Reach the Times Leader newsroom at 570-829-7242 or on Twitter @tlnews.