Former Delco Firefighter Admits To Setting Fire

DARBY, PA — A former volunteer firefighter in Delaware County admitted in court to setting a fire in April this year.

According to court records, Abner Roberts, 19, of Darby, pleaded guilty to risking a catastrophe and reckless burning Monday in a Delaware County court.

Roberts was charged with felony arson, felony risking catastrophe, felony criminal mischief, felony reckless burning, trespassing, and more after an April 11 fire in Colwyn.

At the time of the fire, Roberts was a volunteer firefighter with the Yeadon Fire Company.

The Darby Fire Company was called to the 200 block of South Second Street in Colwyn Borough for a vehicle fire at about 4:15 p.m. on April 11.

Responders learned that the fire may have been reaching a building, and when they arrived, firefighters found a car fire well involved with fire exposure to three homes.

The main building had minor fire extension into the back porch.

The fire placed under control in about 20 minutes and no one was hurt, the fire company said.

According to Fox 29, a 2012 Land Rover was set on fire.

Authorities found styrofoam, a bottle of isopropyl alcohol and a green lighter at the scene of the fire, according to the Delaware County Daily Times.

Roberts later told a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper he set the fire after initially claiming he encountered the fire and tried to extinguish it.

He is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 13, 2025, according to court documents.