DA Responds To Criticism Following Cold Spring Fire Investigation

DOYLESTOWN, PA — A week after announcing the investigation into the Cold Spring Elementary School fire had concluded, the Bucks County District Attorney issued a follow up letter in response to criticism that insufficient information was provided to the community surrounding the February incident.

In late September, the Bucks County District Attorney's office said the investigation into the fire at the local school had concluded, and"the matter is now closed. "

No one was injured in the fire, which broke out in an unoccupied classroom on the second floor of the school building. All students and faculty were safely evacuated.

However, the cause of the fire has been withheld by authorities from that office.

DA spokesman James O'Malley declined to provide a cause for the fire when pressed by news organizations, telling Patch, "we're simply not discussing the content of the investigation."

RELATED: Officials Won't Release Cause Of Cold Spring Elementary Fire

District Attorney Matthew Weintraub, in an Oct. 4 letter, said he has heard the concerns from the community "and I take them to heart."

"As both a member of this community and a concerned parent, I too would want access to every detail known about this incident. However, as Bucks County's District Attorney, I am constitutionally sworn to uphold the law and protect the rights of our community's individual members, especially its children," Weintraub said in his letter.

He goes on to say the matter was investigated thoroughly. "If we had sufficient evidence to arrest any individual for this fire, we would have."

"Were I to release more information about this fire without making any arrests it would be tantamount to casting unfair suspicion on innocent people. I cannot, and will not, do that," Weintraub said.