McGuire Street Homeowner Set Fire To His Own Home: Woodbridge Police

WOODBRIDGE, NJ — The homeowner of 86 McGuire Street in Woodbridge is charged with intentionally starting a fire at his home, which quickly grew so huge it spread to two neighboring houses, according to Woodbridge Police Director Robert Hubner.

Anthony Burke, 56, was arrested and charged with six counts of aggravated arson, six counts of aggravated assault and other charges. Police say he struggled with officers who were attempting to arrest him early Thursday morning, and four Woodbridge Police officers were injured.

The fire broke out shortly after 3 a.m. Thursday at Burke's home at 86 McGuire Street, in the Menlo Park Terrace section of Woodbridge, said a town spokesman.

"The fire is being investigated as an arson," Woodbridge town spokesman John Hagerty said Thursday morning.

Police have not said how Burke allegedly started the fire.

The home where the fire started was completely destroyed, as was a second home immediately next door. A third home was badly damaged by the fire.

While nobody was trapped in any of the homes, there are reports one person had to be hospitalized for smoke inhalation. News 12 has video of the two homes that were completely destroyed by fire.