PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — An arson investigation is underway in Philadelphia’s Kensington neighborhood after a car was found engulfed in flames early Friday morning.
The fire broke out around 2:30 a.m. on the 2500 block of East Firth Street.
“I came out this morning and just saw all the ashes,” said Kristen Haidle, who lives nearby.
Video from the scene shows a 2016 Toyota Camry burning just feet from nearby homes. Chuck Fischer said he heard a loud noise before seeing the fire.
“I hear like a big burst,” Fischer said. “I see through my curtains it’s a fire and it’s close. I looked out the door and had to shut it immediately because of the smoke and flames. It was roaring and it was windy”.
Fischer said the car belonged to a neighbor.
“It’s my neighbor’s car, and it sure wasn’t an accident,” he said.
Philadelphia police confirmed that firefighters responded quickly and extinguished the flames. A fire marshal later determined the blaze was intentionally set.
Neighbors expressed shock, saying incidents like this are rare on their block.
“I’ll hear things from people in the surrounding areas about break-ins or cars and that kinda stuff, but we never have anything going on,” Haidle said. “It was just strange. I ran over and made sure my truck was OK.”
The fire also damaged patio furniture and a flower pot. Residents said they were relieved the flames didn’t spread to other vehicles or homes. They expressed concern for their neighbor whose car was torched and their hope for quick arrests.
“I hope they’re stopped from doing this again because this is a dangerous thing they’re doing,” Fischer said. “It could injure people, harm people or worse.”
The burned-out Camry was eventually towed away. No injuries were reported.
Police say the investigation is ongoing and they are working to identify suspects.
Copyright © 2025 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.
