Operations & Training

Berwyn, PA, Woman Charged with Arson after House Burns Twice

July 25, 2024

Firefighters encountered heavy fire and smoke showing from the house that was built in 1800.

A Chester County woman has been charged with arson after her historic Berwyn house caught fire twice recently.

Berwyn firefighters found heavy fire when they returned to the house again Tuesday, just months after another blaze caused extensive damage,

Kathryn Frankel, who owns the house with her estranged husband, Craig, was found by neighbors wandering around, Fox 29 reported.

Following an investigation, she was charged with arson with intent to destroy an unoccupied building and other related offenses.

The house was built in the 1800s by one of Berwyn's founding families. It was renovated with an addition in 2022, and is reported to have an estimated value of $1.2-1.4 million.

About the Author

Susan Nicol | News Editor

Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.