POCONO PINES, Pa. (WKRC) – A man allegedly set multiple fires in his home to kill spiders, sparking a large fire that spread to his neighbor’s homes and caused considerable damage.

Officers were dispatched to a home at around 6 p.m. on Monday regarding a large fire that was already spreading from the townhouse it began at to three adjacent units, according to local outlet WPVI.

A witness told investigators that a resident, identified as Sean McDermott, was lighting small fires in his house throughout the day, authorities said. McDermott allegedly told the witness that he was attempting to kill spiders in his house.

The major fire reportedly broke out after McDermott lit a smoldering fire on his floor and placed a loveseat on top of it. The witness said they attempted to extinguish the fires McDermott was lighting, but he would simply relight them.

The witness told authorities he left the area with McDermott, and returned to find the house completely engulfed in flames. McDermott allegedly fled the scene in a U-Haul and had not been apprehended as of Wednesday.

McDermott is wanted on charges of arson, aggravated arson, and other related offenses, according to police.

Man allegedly set multiple fires to kill spiders, sparking massive fire that spread