3 Charged With Arson In Fatal Lower Bucks Co. Fire

BRISTOL TOWNSHIP, PA — Three people have been charged with arson for intentionally setting a fire that destroyed a van and home, injured three firefighters, and led to the death of an 80-year-old firefighter who died from complications a week later, authorities said.

A Croydon man was arraigned Friday on felony charges from the Aug. 8 fire in the 700 block of Cedar Avenue in Bristol Township, the Bucks County District Attorney's Office said.

Bristol Township Police have also filed charges against two other men in connection with the fire, Sgt. Jason Mancuso said.

Charles Vandenberg, 50, was arraigned on Friday, Sept. 19 before District Judge Terrence Hughes on nine felony charges, including two counts of arson, criminal solicitation, and related misdemeanors.

He was taken to the Bucks County Correctional Center on $350,000 bail, authorities said.

Mancuso said that arrest warrants have been issued for two other Croydon men — Thomas Parker, 36, and 27-year-old Gavin Ross Montoya, 27, — in connection with the arson.

Ed Margavich was among three firefighters injured in the blaze in which all five occupants were rescued.

While directing traffic at the scene, Margavich, a Third District Volunteer Fire Company member, returned to the firehouse to gather equipment. Inside, he fell and broke his femur. Despite treatment, his condition worsened, and a week later, he died from his injuries, Action News reported.

The Third District Volunteer Fire Company Station 14, where Margavich had served as fire chief and life member, led a motorcade that traveled on Interstate 95, Veterans Highway (Route 413), Old Route 13, Mill Street, and Radcliffe Street to escort him home with a funeral service held on Aug. 30 at Harry S Truman High School.