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Man charged with arson in Schuylkill house fire

State police at Schuylkill Haven have charged the homeowner with arson after a fire he set in his home in Seltzer, Norwegian Township, destroyed four homes Wednesday afternoon. According to troopers, John Jefferson, 39, of 312 Main St., intentionally set the fire in his residence at 3 p.m. By the time fire companies arrived on scene the flames quickly spread to three adjoining homes, with one occupant trapped on the roof. Fire companies from throughout Schuylkill and Berks counties responded to the multi-alarm fire using existing fire hydrants and a large tanker task force. Troopers said Jefferson faces multiple counts of arson, recklessly endangering another person and criminal mischief. He was arraigned before District Judge Stephen Bayer and is in Schuylkill County Prison after being unable to post $100,000 straight cash bail. COPYRIGHT LARRY NEFF/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS

State police at Schuylkill Haven have charged the homeowner with arson after a fire he set in his home in Seltzer, Norwegian Township, destroyed four homes Wednesday afternoon. According to troopers, John Jefferson, 39, of 312 Main St., intentionally set the fire in his residence at 3 p.m. By the time fire companies arrived on scene the flames quickly spread to three adjoining homes, with one occupant trapped on the roof. Fire companies from throughout Schuylkill and Berks counties responded to the multi-alarm fire using existing fire hydrants and a large tanker task force. Troopers said Jefferson faces multiple counts of arson, recklessly endangering another person and criminal mischief. He was arraigned before District Judge Stephen Bayer and is in Schuylkill County Prison after being unable to post $100,000 straight cash bail. COPYRIGHT LARRY NEFF/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS