Woman Convicted For North Coventry Apartment Arson That Displaced 100

NORTHERN CHESTER COUNTY —A Chester County jury Friday convicted a 33-year-old Pottstown woman of setting a fire that destroyed the Ashwood Apartment Complex on July 30, 2020 in North Coventry Township.

Toni Kirk, 33, was found guilty in the Chester County Justice Center of causing a catastrophe, aggravated assault and related offenses following a trial before Judge David F. Bortner. She awaits sentencing.

As a result of the fire, the building was destroyed, over 100 people lost their homes and personal belongings, and animals were trapped inside. Damage was estimated at more than $6 million.

Police said Kirk was on drugs when she told them her ex-boyfriend set the fire.

An investigation disclosed that the ex-boyfriend was not present on the property at the time of the fire.

The fire broke out at 7:18 p.m. in apartment #315 at the Ashwood Apartment Complex, 782 Worth Blvd.

North Coventry Township Police Department and the Norco Fire Department were dispatched to the scene. Police found Kirk in the parking lot outside the burning building.

Fire ruled incendiary

Chester County Chief Fire Marshal John Weer determined that the origin of the fire was in the living room of apartment #315, on the bed.

The fire was ruled incendiary.

Multiple victims suffered injuries that required hospitalization.

The officers had to army-crawl down the hallway because of the flames and smoke inhalation. One woman was flown to Lehigh Valley Hospital where was in a coma due to severe carbon monoxide poisoning for seven weeks.

U.S. Small Business Administration declared a disaster to allow the victims to apply for low-interest loans.

“This was a devastating incident for the community,” District Attorney Deb Ryan said. “Not only did she endanger her neighbors but she endangered the lives of all the first responders who came to the aid of those occupants. Many were hospitalized and lost everything. We are incredibly grateful to all first responders who risked their lives to help our community. They are true heroes.”

Over 200 fire and EMS personnel responded to the scene to assist including 16 fire companies from Chester, Berks, Montgomery, and Delaware counties Several firefighters were treated for burns, heat exhaustion, and chest pain.

The Red Cross and numerous other nonprofits helped those displaced and injured.