A fast-moving fire in a three-story duplex in Hulmeville Borough Saturday caused heavy damage to the structure.
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The blaze was reported around 9:15 p.m. in the 500 block of Washington Avenue.
William Penn Fire Company Chief Dan Diegel said the first crews on the scene encountered heavy fire conditions.
“There was fire through the roof,” Diegel said.
Firefighters entered the burning building after reports of possible entrapment.
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After confirming no residents were inside, crews began an interior attack on the flames. However, the intensity of the flames forced crews to sound evacuation tones.
Firefighters were forced to retreat and shift to an exterior operation to put water of the blaze, as captured in images from emergency scene photographer Richie Brigham.
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The fire caused a roof collapse at the rear of the duplex and a partial collapse of the third floor onto the second, according to Diegel.
PECO was called to the scene to shut down live power lines near the dwelling.
Diegel confirmed that no people were injured in the fire and a cat was safely rescued from the home.
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The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. Fire marshals from Middletown Township, Bucks County, and the Pennsylvania State Police responded to the scene.
The William Penn Fire Company was assisted by all of Middletown Township’s volunteer fire companies, as well as crews from Bensalem, Bristol, Falls, and Lower Southampton townships. The Penndel-Middletown Emergency Squad remained on standby at the scene throughout the call.
