Police: Argument Leads To Woman Setting Mattress On Fire Causing Blaze

By Trang Do

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Orange flames engulfed a three-story twin on the 3200 block of Diamond Street.

Around 3 p.m., Rashid Brister and his daughter Karae were headed to Fairmount Park nearby, when they noticed smoke coming from the home.

"We thought it was a cookout," Karae said.

"Then we came over and we saw the fire, and called 911," Rashid said. "They responded in a good amount of time. About the time we got over here, it was coming out the roof."

Because of the scale of the house and fire, dispatchers sent out four engines and three ladders to fight it. It took an hour to contain it.

"It was heavy fire conditions and we had to act fast in getting the service quickly," said Eric Johnson, Battalion 3 chief.

Police sources say a man and a woman were in the house when the fire started. They reportedly got into an argument and that's when the woman allegedly set a mattress on fire. Neighbors reported seeing the pair run out of the house.

Fortunately no one was hurt, but the home sustained pretty heavy damage. The two homes on either side also have some damage. Neighbors tell Eyewitness News they believed all three were vacant homes.

Police questioned the man and woman, but they've not arrested them. Fire officials will not confirm if this is an arson investigation just yet, but a fire marshal was on scene.