The cause of a Thursday afternoon fire that damaged a building that houses a business and two apartments has been determined by the fire marshal.
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The blaze, which started just before 12:30 p.m., in the 100 block of Durham Road in Penndel Borough was caused accidentally by “careless disposal of smoking materials that ignited combustible materials under the steps on the south side of the structure,” Penndel Borough Fire Marshal Jim Bampfield said.
“Due to extremely dry conditions, even small sparks and cigarettes can ignite fires which can be extremely destructive,” he said.
The fire damaged Acosta Doors on the first floor and the two apartments on the second floor.
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Bampfield said the residents have been displaced by the fire.
Residents were sent fleeing from the burning structure, with one suffering minor burns to her leg, authorities said.
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A cat died in the fire, authorities said.
A firefighter from the Third District Fire Company suffered heat exhaustion and was taken to St. Mary Medical Center. They were treated and released.
The fire was intense on the hot Thursday afternoon and led to fire companies from around Lower Bucks County responding to the scene.
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The fire marshal said a resident of Middletown Township’s Levittown section was passing by and spotted the fire. The man stopped his vehicle, alerted the business on the first floor, and assisted the second-floor residents escape the rapidly-spreading fire.
“I remind everyone to be sure you have working smoke detectors and be sure to frequently check to be sure they are operational. If you are in need of a smoke detector please contact your local fire department or municipal fire marshal,” Bampfield explained.
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