The State of Emergency in Coatesville has been extended an extra two weeks until March 9 when city council will decide whether to continue it further.

City Police Chief William Matthews requested the extension at Monday night's council meeting. Council unanimously approved the request.

"I make that recommendation knowing full well the difficulties, the inconvenience that may be on some of our citizens. But I do believe it is necessary for us to remain vigilant," Matthews said.

Matthews also said there has been no rollback in resources from outside law enforcement agencies. The Chester County Arson Task is comprised of city police, the district attorneys office, state police, and agents from the the FBI and ATF.

"No resources are being pulled back from the task force. As a matter of fact resources are being added to the task force," he said.

Last week two friends, Roger Barlow, 19, and Mark Gilliam, 20, were arrested within hours of each and charged in connection with the arson spree in Coatesville. Barlow was charged setting nine fires in Coatesville, including the Fleetwood Street arson that displaced 18 families. Gilliam was charged only with the Jan. 25 arson at Happy Days Family Bistro, five hours after the Fleetwood Street fire. Both are being held in jail in lieu of bail. Barlow's bail was set at $9 million.

According to federal authorities there have been 66 arsons in Coatesville and neighboring municipalities between February 2008 and February 2009.

Despite the arrest of Barlow and Gilliam seven school buses in West Brandywine Township were torched three days later.

Authorities have said from the beginning of the investigation that more than one person was involved, including the possibility that there could be a competition between different groups.