Photo by James Short.
Residents taken to shelter at Lansdale Catholic High School; no injuries reported
An early morning fire at an apartment complex in Lansdale forced evacuations and displaced about a dozen residential units and affected six families, authorities said Thursday afternoon.
Officers from the Lansdale Police Department responded around 3:50 a.m. Thursday to a report of smoke in Building “E” at Oakwood Gardens Apartments, 421 E. Main St. Upon arrival, police assisted residents in evacuating Buildings “D” and “E.”
The Fairmount Fire Company led the firefighting effort and was assisted by numerous surrounding fire companies, including Montgomery Township, Towamencin, Hatfield, Upper Gwynedd, Colmar, North Penn, Harleysville, Skippack, Norriton, Upper Dublin, Centre Square, Telford, Fort Washington, Wissahickon, Worcester, Hilltown and Perseverance Fire Company of Souderton.
Additional support at the scene was provided by North Penn Goodwill Service, VMSC Emergency Medical Services and Lansdale Electric.
The fire was brought under control at about 5:08 a.m., police said. The cause remains under investigation.
About 12 residential units were displaced. With assistance from SEPTA, residents were transported to an evacuation center set up at Lansdale Catholic High School.
The shelter was staffed by the American Red Cross and the Montgomery County Department of Public Safety Division of Emergency Management.
The Red Cross is assisting affected residents with both short- and long-term housing needs, as well as other services.
Alana Mauger, of the American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania, said emergency assistance was given to 16 people, comprising six families.
"Red Cross Disaster Action Team volunteers responded quickly to the incident and met with families at a reception center set up at Lansdale Catholic High School. Assistance may include comfort and emotional care, financial support, access to health services and medications, and referrals to community resources to help families begin their recovery," Mauger said.
No injuries were reported.
