Ten residences in Norristown, Pennsylvania, were damaged by a fire on Wednesday, resulting in the displacement of thirty-nine persons.
The 700 block of Lafayette Street was where the fire occurred. Before 3 p.m., crews were dispatched to the location, and hours later, the fire was contained.
While hovering over the fire, Copter 3 observed multiple firefighters battling the flames from the roofs of rowhomes. According to firefighters, everyone is safe save for one minor injury.
The cause of the fire is unknown.
Numerous neighbors told Philadelphia that they began beating on people’s doors after noticing the fire was raging.
“Me and another guy, guy was driving by. He stopped his car, jumped out, started banging on the door,” a man who saw the fire stated. “I’m looking out my window and I’m seeing the smoke come from the air conditioner from the second floor. And by the time we banged on the door, nobody answered. We kicked the door open. Two other guys ran in because we saw kids outside prior to that.”
“You don’t want to see anybody get burnt up, the holiday is tomorrow,” he continued.
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A woman who resided in one of the destroyed houses remarked, “I don’t have nowhere to live.”
According to the Red Cross, a shelter for fire victims has been established at Blockson Middle School, located at 1315 West Marshall Street in Norristown. For people impacted by the fire, a receiving center has also been established at the Hancock Fire Company, located at 820 West Airy Street in Norristown.
