PSP: Drunk Hazleton man set fire on basement floor to keep warm, sparking blaze
HAZLETON, Luzerne County – A Hazleton man will be facing charges for sparking a house fire in the city Sunday evening.
State Police at Hazleton said fire crews were called to 64 North Cedar Street around 7:00pm for a reported house fire.
Troopers said the 59-year-old occupant, whose name has not yet been released, set a fire on the basement floor.
The fire spread up the wall and into the attic of the home.
Hazleton and McAdoo firefighters responded and brought the fire under control in short order, and Chief Donald Leshko requested a fire marshal to the scene.
Troopers found that the occupant lit a fire with wood and lighter fluid and was sitting by the fire to keep warm, while drinking alcohol. The home had no working heat, troopers said.
They said he either left the basement or fell asleep, allowing the fire to burn out of control.
Troopers said he was intoxicated and unable to “competently answer questions.”
Charges will be filed for the incident, troopers said.
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