Surveillance footage appears to show a woman starting a fire at the rear door of a day-care centre in Philadelphia’s East Mount Airy neighbourhood, prompting concern among residents and a police investigation.
The incident happened at about 7pm on 21 September on the 8200 block of Williams Avenue, in the Cedarbrook area, while the centre was closed. Police estimate the woman is in her 20s or 30s.
In the video, the woman approaches the back entrance and appears to ignite material at the foot of the door before applying more of what investigators believe may be an accelerant. She briefly walks away, then returns and adds more to the flames.
She is then seen waiting for a passing car before leaving the area. Police described her as a woman of medium build, wearing a black baseball cap, a white face covering, a red shirt and blue trousers.
Firefighters extinguished the blaze before it spread. No children were present and no injuries were reported, although the fire left small scorch marks on the door.
Residents told local media that a second small fire was reported nearby four days later, on 25 September, when a woman allegedly threw a burning bottle at a bollard in a rear driveway. An air-conditioning unit was also said to have been targeted.
Police said the suspect in that incident was believed to be in her 20s or 30s and was last seen running west along Mount Airy Avenue. No arrest has been announced and the investigations remain ongoing.
One neighbour said the incidents were particularly worrying because the location was used by children.
“It’s very concerning, it’s scary, we’re dealing with people’s children,” the resident said. “We’re here to protect the children, and at the same time, we want them to be able to come out and have fun, and we want them to be safe.”
Philadelphia police are asking anyone who recognises the woman or has information about either fire to contact detectives or call the department’s tip line on 215-686-TIPS (8477).
