Fireworks Thrown, Blaze Breaks Out in Fatal PA Standoff

A fatal fire erupted after a Pennsylvania man barricaded himself in his home and threw fireworks at SWAT officers Tuesday.

Crews from multiple departments were called to the blaze in Hilltown Township, WFMZ-TV reports. Police had initially responded to separate reports of an assault and a possible vandalism or a break-in at a local tavern.

When officers arrived at the area of the tavern, they pursued a man who fled into his nearby home. The man then began throwing fireworks or some type of explosive devices from inside.

The fire began shortly after the man fled inside his home, according to WFMZ. An image posted online by a WPVI-TV reporter showed SWAT officers, weapons drawn, surrounding a firefighter who was dousing the burning home with water.

Crews eventually were able to get the fire under control. Firefighters were still at the scene extinguishing hot spots, and they feared it could collapse because of damage done by the flames.

Authorities told WFMZ that unexploded fireworks or other explosives might still be in the house. According to North Penn Now, police and firefighters were warned about possible traps on the property. 

No injuries to firefighters or police were reported. It's unclear if the man was the only person in the house and if he was the fatality.

According to North Penn Now, the home was the site of an 11-hour standoff in January. The incident began after a 35-year-old woman escaped the home and told police that the owner had tried to rape her and hold her against her will.