Reading PA Fire Department

The fire, meanwhile, had already began extending to the upper floors of the large apartment building and Car 5 ordered a 2nd Alarm. The building sits high off the street and is deep so firefighters needed to add sections of hose onto the 200' preconnects before advancing further into the building. This caused an additional delay in getting to the upper floors. The fire also extended to the exposure at 542 Lancaster Ave. All of this perpetuated the need for additional help and at 05:00 Command ordered a 3rd alarm.

While crews were working inside the building several ground ladders and two of the aerials were set up around the structure. Firefighters worked hard to get the roof opened to ventilate the interior. By the time they could get holes cut the fire had already extended through at a few areas. The fire took almost 40 minutes to contain and wasn't put under control until 06:10. Numerous hot spots gave firefighters problems while overhauling. Most of the apparatus were released from the scene by 07:30.

Several other residents were evacuated from the building and the Red Cross was called to assist with housing. Reportedly, none of the other occupants were injured. The Fire Marshal responded on the box alarm and is investigating, the State Fire Marshal and city Police are assisting.

The victim was found in a 1st floor apartment where he?lived. It has since been reported that a problem with an electrical outlet in the victim's apartment is a probable cause of the fire. Thanks to all those that contributed to this story and to Paramedic B. Mack for sending us the photos.

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