3 Fires Set Near Moravian College

Three fires that have taken place since Sunday in the center city neighborhood near Moravian College—two of which destroyed cars—were set deliberately, a Bethlehem fire official said Thursday.

The most recent arson, lit at about 2 a.m. Wednesday, also destroyed a garage the burning car was parked in at 1208 Lorain Ave., said Deputy Fire Commissioner Robert Novatnack.

Another car fire was deliberately set about four hours earlier at 1400 Lorain Ave., said Novatnack, who is also the city’s fire marshal.

Both cars were considered totaled—with damages exceeding $10,000 for the owners of both vehicles, Novatnack said.

Investigators have not determined if the two fires are related or have anything to do with the first fire, which was set in the basement of a home at 48 W. Elizabeth Ave. late Sunday night, Novatnack said.

No one was injured in any of the blazes, Novatnack said.

The Bethlehem Fire Department and the Bethlehem Police Department are working together to investigate all three arson fires, Novatnack said. Anyone with information about any or all of the fires is asked to call a tips line at 610-865-7140.