Woman Sentenced For Arson That Displaced 100 In North Coventry

NORTHERN CHESTER COUNTY —A 33-year-old Pottstown woman was sentenced to 10 to 20 years in prison for setting a fire that destroyed the Ashwood Apartment Complex on July 30, 2020 in North Coventry Township.

Judge David F. Bortner sentenced Kirk who was convicted in October of aggravated assault, causing a catastrophe, and related offenses for setting a fire that caused $6 million in damages.

Kirk's attorney, Stuart Crichton, said Kirk was abusing methamphetamine when she set the blaze in an apartment she shared with her boyfriend.

As a result of the fire, the building was destroyed, over 100 people lost their homes and personal belongings, and animals were trapped inside.

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.

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

District Attorney Deb Ryan said the defendant’s reckless behavior caused devastation to over 100 innocent people who lost their homes, belongings, and even their beloved animals.

“More than 200 first responders assisted and some sustained serious injuries. We are thankful to all of the first responders who risked their lives during this horrific incident.”