CHESTER CITY

3 Fires in 4 Days Put Delaware County Community on Edge

For the third time in the past four days, fire crews responded to the same Delaware County street.

"I feel that something crooked is going on," said neighbor Santiago Garcia. "How can there be three fires in one week?"

A two-alarm blaze started in the back of a three-story home on the 400 block of Bickley Place in Chester Tuesday around 10:15 p.m. Firefighters placed the blaze under control at 10:56 p.m.

Two other fires occurred on Bickley Place within the past few days. One home on Bickley Place caught fire early Saturday morning while another fire spread to multiple homes on Bickley Place early Monday morning, displacing 19 people.

Neighbors think the string of fires is no coincidence.

"I think it's something going on if there's gotta be three fires," said neighbor Ann Stephens.

Officials have not yet revealed whether all three fires are related. No injuries were reported in any of the fires and cause has not been determined for any of the three blazes.

Mayor John Linder called for a round-the-clock police presence to remain on the block as residents and officials including expressed concern.

"This is a travesty they're gonna tear this neighborhood to shreds," said Garcia. "This is ridiculous man."

Officials addressed concerns Wednesday.

"We have a responsibility to keep our neighbors safe that's our function and we're doing the best we can to do that," said Chester Fire Commissioner James Johnson. "It's a very difficult situation right now."

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