A resident of one of the homes destroyed by a fire in the Schuylkill County village of Seltzer, Norwegian Township, has been charged with setting the fire.

State police at Schuylkill Haven have charged John Jefferson, 59, of 312 Main St., Seltzer, with three felony counts of arson - danger of death or bodily injury, one felony count of arson - inhabited buildings or structures, and four felony counts of endangering property - reckless endangerment of inhabited buildings and criminal mischief.

He was arraigned before on-call District Judge Stephen Bayer, of Tamaqua, and committed to the county prison in Pottsville, failing to post $100,000 straight cash bail.

In addition to his home, the wind-swept fire destroyed homes at 314, 316 and 318 Main St., and damaged the Seltzer Volunteer Fire Company building. The fire was first reported at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, and due to high winds, spread quickly.

Reportedly, Jefferson told a neighbor he started the fire.