Fire destroys vacant two-story house in city

A fire of unknown origin destroyed a two-story, vacant house on New Castle’s West Side Wednesday night.

A neighbor alerted the Lawrence County 911 center at 9:59 p.m. that flames were shooting out of 226 Wick Ave. As city firefighters arrived, fire had engulfed the structure.

James Goodman Jr., of 814 W. Grant St., is listed as the property’s owner. City fire Chief Tom Maciarello said the home had been unoccupied for approximately one to two years.

Five units, including the department’s tower ladder firetruck, responded. Medevac Ambulance was also at the scene. Firefighters cleared the location at 12:49 a.m. Thursday.

The city police department’s arson investigator was called to the scene. If determined to be an arson, that would mark the 18th intentionally set fire in the city for 2009.

http://www.ncnewsmedia.com/archive/2009/Rapid_Response/SEPTEMBER/24/wick_fire/index.htm