ATF National Response Team Joins Deadly Philly Fire Investigation

Philadelphia PA

06 January, 2022

9:23 AM

Description

PHILADELPHIA — As authorities search for answers after at least 12 people died in a row home fire in Philadelphia Wednesday, the ATF has activated its National Response Team to assist with the investigation. The National Response Team will join the Philadelphia Fire Department and the Philadelphia Fire Marshal's Office, who is the lead in this investigation, in finding out what caused the fire that killed eight children and four adults Wednesday morning in the Fairmount section of the city. The Philadelphia Fire Marshal's Office requested ATF's NRT assistance given the magnitude and scope of the fire. NRT provides an immediate and sustained nationwide response capability, typically deploying within 24 hours of notification, with state-of-the-art equipment and highly qualified ATF personnel specializing in fire origin and cause determination. "This is a very tragic event in which the community sustained such a great loss of life," said Matthew Varisco, Special Agent in charge of ATF's Philadelphia Field Division. "Our hearts go out to the victims and their families during this extremely difficult time. ATF will continue to work with our local, state, and federal partners to assist in any way possible."