Probable Arson Fire In Vacant House

Park dispatch received a call from the Newton PD 911 center just before 8 a.m. on April 18th, advising that the fire chief from Sandyston VFD had received a report of smoke issuing from the unoccupied Gordon House near Walpack Center. The building has been out of use for years and is scheduled for removal. Ranger Brad Clawson responded, arriving just before the VFD engines. A moderate amount of smoke was coming out of the house’s windows. Clawson quickly checked the building and determined that there was nobody inside. He employed an extinguisher to retard the spread of the fire, which was burning in the floorboards and floor joists, until firefighters arrived and suppressed the blaze.  Two burned areas were found in the house, one near a fireplace and the other near a first floor window. Arson is deemed probable; the investigation continues.