Two-alarm blaze at Oakwood Gardens Apartments prompts evacuation, emergency response
A two-alarm fire at an East Main Street apartment complex early Thursday forced residents from their homes and led to schedule changes at a nearby parochial school being used as an evacuation site.
Emergency crews were dispatched at 3:53 a.m. to 421 E. Main St. at Oakwood Gardens Apartments. Upon arrival, firefighters reported smoke showing from Building E and a fire in the basement, with callers also reporting electrical explosions in that area.
Initial radio traffic indicated possible elderly entrapment, prompting an urgent response. Firefighters had two hose lines in service by 4 a.m., and the incident was upgraded to a second alarm shortly after, bringing multiple fire companies to the scene. By about 4:30 a.m., three lines were operating as crews worked to contain the fire.
(Credit: Eric Sanchez)Authorities have not yet released information on injuries, rescues or the number of residents displaced.
As emergency crews worked the scene, Lansdale Catholic High School announced it would operate on a flexible instruction schedule Thursday morning, as the school building is being used as an evacuation and assistance location for residents affected by the fire.
According to North Penn Vol. Fire Co. Thursday morning, its crews took on the first-due truck assignment, performing primary searches, throwing ladders, checking for fire extension, and completing overhaul operations.
Fire officials remained on scene later in the morning handling overhaul and investigation. The cause of the fire has not yet been announced. Most fire companies were released by command by 6 a.m.
More details are expected as officials provide updates.
Responding units include Fairmount Fire Co. of Lansdale, Fire Department of Montgomery Township, Colmar Fire Co., Hatfield Fire Co., Towamencin Vol. Fire Co., North Penn Fire Co., Harleysville Fire, East Norriton Fire, Upper Dublin Fire, Centre Square Fire, Wissahickon Fire, Worcester Fire, VMSC Emergency Medical Services, North Penn Goodwill, and Upper Gwynedd Fire.
