Two-Alarm Fire Damages Building In Bristol

Firefighters from around the area made quick work of a blaze that damaged several shops along Pond Street in Bristol Borough.

Crews were dispatched to An Elegant Affair Bridal Gallery, Bell Tuxedo, and a neighboring empty storefront at the corner of Pond and Beaver streets around 3:40 p.m. Friday.

Strong winds were hitting the area as the flames in the soffit of the Pond Street-side of the building spread. The fire, according to witnesses, were shooting into the air and licking nearby utility lines.

Deputy Bristol Borough Fire Chief AJ DeAngelis said the strong winds and size of the building led to a second alarm quickly being struck.

Firefighters from around the area poured into the borough and got to work extinguishing the flames.

Part of the roof collapsed onto the sidewalk as firefighters doused the fire and worked to stop it from spreading, DeAngelis said.

By 4:30 p.m., the scene was under control and crews were starting to pack up.

The Bucks County Rescue Squad and the Penndel-Middletown Emergency Squad were on the scene, but no injuries were reported.

The bridal shop and tuxedo business were spared the worst of the damage, but Bristol Borough Fire Chief Herb Slack said the dress shop suffered smoke and water damage. The most serious damage occurred at what appeared to be an empty storefront.

Bristol Borough fire officials called in the Bucks County Fire Marshal’s Office to assist with the investigation into the cause.

Traffic in the area of the fire was detoured into the evening hours.

America Hose, Hook, and Ladder; Bristol; Bristol Consolidated; Croydon; Edgely; Falls Township; Fairless Hills; Goodwill Hose; Levittown No. 1; Levittown No. 2; Newportville; Newport; Penndel; and William Penn fire companies responded to the scene.