Police say Deadly Fire in Unregistered Stable in SW Philly was Intentionally Set

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Police are searching for the suspect responsible for setting fire to an unregistered horse stable in Southwest Philadelphia.

On Thursday, Feb. 20, Philadelphia police responded to a fire, in what they called “a pop-up horse stable” located along the 5800 block of Eastwick Avenue.

Fire officials shared that it took crews less than 30 minutes to place the flames under control, but were unclear how the fire started.

Days later, police reveal surveillance footage that details a person who investigators say torched the stables.

In the video you can see a person police describe as a white man with a slim build, wearing dark colored pants, and a dark gray sweatshirt, leaving the unregistered stable, minutes before flames began to erupt.

Watch the full video below!

Pennsylvania SPCA‘s Animal Law Enforcement team stepped in to rescue 12 surviving horses from the property after the fire. Unfortunately, two horses died in the fires.

Of the 12 rescued animals, officials with the PSPCA said that three horses needed to be sent to a special center for critical injuries.

Gordon Parks, owner of the ranch, told Action News he was aware the stables were not legally operating, however, he was trying to combat youth endangerment by bringing nature and animals to neighborhood kids.

“We was doing a program to try to help the kids find a different way of life,” Parks explained.

If you have any information on this man, The ATF City Wide Arson Task Force asked anyone with tips to contact Det. Ken Golczewsk at 215-783-1092. Tips can also be confidentially shared by contacting 215-686-TIPS or using the online form. If you think you spot the arsonist, dial 911 immediately.

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Police say deadly fire in unregistered stable in SW Philly was Arson