Arson investigation underway after Croydon fire damages home, van

Arson investigation underway in Croydon

Authorities in Bucks County are investigating a fire after they say a work van was set on fire, and that fire later spread to a home. Two firefighters suffered minor injures.

CROYDON, Pa. - Fire crews battled an early morning fire in Croydon Friday morning that officials say was a case of arson. 

What we know:

The fire broke out at a home on the 700 block of Cedar Avenue shortly after 5 p.m.

Officials say crews were called to the scene after a police officer on patrol spotted a van on fire near the home. The fire spread to the home. 

Fire officials say the police officer who was first on scene was able to alert the residents to the fire and was able to get them out of the home. 

Authorities confirmed the fire is believed to have been intentionally set and started in the van. 

No civilians were injured as a result of the fire. Two firefighters suffered minor injuries, but did not need to be transported to the hospital. 

What they're saying:

A neighbor’s ring camera captured a person walking in front of the home on Cedar Avenue, then you can see a flash and a fire begin to start in a van in the driveway. The blaze quickly escalated to Paul Wallace Jr.’s childhood home.

"A lot of stuff is ruined, you know, and it’s a shame, my dad put 40 plus years of blood sweat and tears into this house and the same with myself, but the most important thing is everyone is OK," he said.

Wallace Jr. says they lost a beloved family cat in the fire.

He says he recently moved out of the home and his dad rented out the room to friends. He says his dad had "nothing to do with this."

"I’m a musician, I started tons of bands down here in the basement, you know, it’s hard to see it like this, it’s sad," he said. "To everyone, if this ever happens to you, first thing you should do is get yourself, get your people and get out you know, don’t think about anything you’re leaving behind, it’s not worth leaving your life behind."

What's next:

Police and the fire marshal will be investigating the cause of the fire.