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Man Charged with Setting Personal Care Home on Fire

A resident of a personal care home in Luzerne County is locked up, accused of setting fire to the place. More than 60 people have been unable to stay at the fac...
firearrest

A resident of a personal care home in Luzerne County is locked up, accused of setting fire to the place. More than 60 people have been unable to stay at the facility near Pittston since the fire last month.

Alan Irvin, 66, was living at Riverview Personal Care in Jenkins Township, and police said he set three fires in the building on December 18.

According to court paperwork, police found a lighter in Irvin's pocket before taking him the hospital on the night of the fire.

The fire marshal determined Irvin intentionally started three separate fires.

He's now charged with four counts of arson, risking catastrophe and criminal mischief.

But when Newswatch 16 caught up with Irvin after his arraignment in Mountain Top, he said he didn't do it.

"I'm not guilty. I don't know why they're picking on me," said Irvin.

His bail is set at $100,000.

Riverview Personal Care Center is still closed. 69 people were living there at the time. All of them have been placed at other personal care facilities by the American Red Cross.

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