Casey eyes more U.S. aid for arson-stricken Coatesville

As U.S. Sen. Bob Casey walked among the charred ruins, broken glass crunching beneath his feet, Coatesville Fire Capt. Jay Abel explained how his men had tried to douse last month's four-alarm blaze on Fleetwood Street.

The flames had run along the rooftops unimpeded, burning more than a dozen families out of their rowhouses and causing nearly $2 million in damage.

"It got ahead of us," Abel said of the Jan. 24 fire, the largest of the 18 arsons recorded this year in his Chester County steel town.

"This whole block was burning," City Council President Martin Eggleston told Casey, who got his first glimpse yesterday of the handiwork of whoever is responsible for the fires. "You're talking about total destruction here."

Casey said he had spoken with U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder over the weekend about obtaining additional resources for the besieged city. Funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency is also a possibility, he said.

"This person or persons who did this has robbed these families of a long list of things that we all take for granted, not the least of which is just your own security and security for your family," Casey said after a closed-door meeting with victims, some of whom are only beginning to piece their lives back together.

Councilwoman Patsy Ray suggested that federal funds be used to pay victims' rent and to help homeowners rebuild their houses.

But most Coatesville residents aren't looking for a government bailout as much as a good night's sleep.

"Just find out who's doing it," said Steve Flinn, 52, an auto mechanic who ran into Casey on Fleetwood Street. Flinn has been letting a couple of the victims stay at his house temporarily.

Despite the presence of state and local police and agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, arsons continue in and around the city of about 11,500 people.

"I don't think they're done yet," warned arson victim Vickie Dorschimer, who is living in a one-bedroom apartment with her sister until she finds a place of her own.

Coatesville, which declared a state of emergency last month, has implemented an 8 p.m. curfew for all minors, and is threatening to fine residents up to $600 each if they do not comply with an order to clear their porches of combustible objects.

While the outpouring of support for victims has been overwhelming - City Manager Harry Walker said Coatesville could "clothe another city" with all the donated garments - some residents are becoming increasingly frustrated because authorities are being tight-lipped about the probe. ATF spokesman John Hageman said yesterday that there "isn't a single working theory" behind the arsons.

"Most large cities - let alone a small community - have not had to deal with this many arsons in such a short period of time," Hageman said.