The center was closed when flames appeared at a rear door, and firefighters stopped the fire before it could spread.
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — Surveillance video showing a fire being set outside a home used as a daycare has unsettled residents in Philadelphia’s Cedarbrook area, where firefighters contained the flames without injuries before another fire was reported at the same property four days later.
The Sept. 21 fire occurred at about 7 p.m. on the 8200 block of Williams Avenue. The daycare was closed at the time, and no children were reported injured. The incident drew concern from neighbors because flames were set near a rear entrance of a property used to care for children and because a second suspected arson was reported there later that week.
Police said surveillance footage recorded a woman near the rear door during the first incident. Investigators said she appeared to ignite a can before leaving. FOX 29 footage shows a woman at the back of the property near a fire at the base of the door. The station reported that firefighters extinguished the blaze before it grew and that nearby residents were not hurt.
Video reported by 6abc also showed a passerby trying to alert anyone who might be inside and using water collected in a child’s toy to help fight the flames before firefighters arrived. Firefighters and the fire marshal responded to the scene. The available reports do not indicate that the fire spread into the occupied portions of the property.
The limited damage contrasted with the concern expressed by people living nearby. FOX 29 reported that small char marks remained on the door after the fire. One neighbor told the station the incident was frightening because children use the property and residents want them to be safe. Authorities have not publicly identified a motive.
Four days later, another fire was reported in the rear area of the same location. Police said that at about 10:30 p.m. Sept. 25, a woman was seen throwing a bottle that had been set on fire at a parking bollard in a rear driveway. Firefighters from Engine 73 extinguished that fire, and no injuries were reported.
Police released different descriptions following the two incidents. The woman sought after the Sept. 21 fire was described as being in her 30s with a medium build, wearing a black baseball cap, white face covering, red shirt and blue pants. A resident described the woman seen Sept. 25 as being in her 20s or 30s, about 5 feet 8 inches tall, wearing glasses, a black cap, dark hooded sweatshirt and dark pants, with her hair in a bun.
Because the descriptions are not identical, authorities have not publicly confirmed that one person carried out both acts. Local reports cited neighbors who believed the same woman may have returned, but the investigation remained open. Philadelphia police are working with federal ATF agents on the cases.
No arrest had been announced as of Oct. 1. Police continue to seek information about the person or people responsible as investigators examine the two fires and the surveillance evidence connected to the Williams Avenue property.
Author note: Last updated October 1, 2026.