Photo: Steven Puetzer / The Image Bank / Getty Images
A massive fire broke out early Wednesday (September 3) in Reading, Pennsylvania, causing significant damage to three rowhomes on North Fifth Street. The blaze started around 1:30 a.m., prompting a three-alarm response from local fire departments. At least one person was hospitalized with burn injuries, while another sustained minor injuries. Over three dozen residents have been displaced due to the fire.
According to Deputy Chief Richard Kuhn of the Reading Fire Department, the fire spread rapidly through the buildings, with the most damage occurring at 117 North Fifth Street, where the upper two floors were destroyed. Residents, including Shawn McKee, scrambled to escape the flames. McKee feared for his pet cat, Miss Kitty, but she was later found safe inside the building.
The American Red Cross has stepped in to assist the displaced families, opening 13 cases to support 38 people, including 10 children. They are providing aid such as prescription medication replacements and mental health support to help residents cope with the trauma.
Local residents, like Daniel Neheiser, expressed concern for the affected families and suggested the possibility of starting a fundraiser. The fire's cause remains under investigation, with the Reading fire marshal and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) involved in determining the source of explosion-type noises reported by residents.
WPVI reported that the fire was contained by a courtyard that prevented further spread. Firefighters continue to monitor the area for hot spots.