Cedarbrook residents on edge after 2 arson incidents days apart

– Residents in Philadelphia's Cedarbrook neighborhood say they are concerned after two suspected arson incidents occurred within days of each other, according to police and neighbors.

Fire response and evacuations

Police said the first incident happened Sept.

21, 2026, at about 7 p.m., when officers responded to a report of a fire at a rear door on the 8200 block of Williams Avenue.

Firefighters and the fire marshal responded to the scene.

The suspect was described by police as a woman in her 30s with a medium build, wearing a black baseball cap, white face covering, red shirt and blue pants.

Investigators said the woman appeared to have ignited a can before fleeing the area. Surveillance video captured the incident.

Video also showed a passerby attempting to alert anyone inside and using a child's toy filled with rainwater to help extinguish the flames before firefighters arrived.

Building and location background

Neighbors said the fire occurred behind a home that operates as a daycare.