The Chester County Commissioners this morning pledged $5,000 in reward money for information leading to the prosecution of those responsible for the recent arsons in Coatesville.              

"The people of Chester County will not tolerate the arsons. It is a form of domestic terrorism," Commissioner Carol Aichele said. "The commissioners will do all we can to bring those responsible to justice."              

Commissioner Chair Terence Farrell also introduced a Declaration of Disaster Emergency as a result of the series of arsons in Coatesville during the past 18 months that has taken one life and destroyed numerous homes.              

Chester County Director of Emergency Services Ed Atkins reported to the commissioners on the situation in Coatesville including last weekend's fire that destroyed homes on Fleetwood Street and left 11 families, including 32 adults and 18 children, homeless.              

Atkins said since January 2008, 47 fires have taken place and at least 33 have been intentional. Atkins recounted the events of the Fleetwood fire and that that 80 pieces of equipment from 29 organizations and about 250 emergency personnel responded to the call. Companies from Chester, Lancaster and Montgomery counties took part. He said the firefighters had two other fires, including one in which a home in West Pikeland burned, to fight that night.              

Commissioner Kathi Cozzone commended the work done by the firefighters, police and all other emergency personnel. Commissioners Farrell and Aichele joined Cozzone in thanking the responders.              

Atkins said the training, dedication and hard work of the volunteers led to a command post being established within six minutes of the first call and the fire being declared under control within three hours. Commissioner Aichele said this is an example why the planned emergency training facility must be built.              

The Declaration of Disaster Emergency allows county departments to immediately respond to needs in the community. County departments and employees are working with other officials on gathering needed clothes and furniture for the families affected by the fire. Also, psychological help for the victims will be provided.              

Chester County District Attorney Joseph Carroll also reported to the commissioners on the status of the investigation. Carroll said all possible efforts are being made to arrest those responsible for the fires. He reported state and federal investigators have joined the investigation and community members are cooperating.