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Authorities in Reading, Pennsylvania, are investigating after firefighters discovered a body in a storage facility following a fire early Sunday morning (October 26). The fire, reported around 3:30 a.m., occurred near Lancaster Avenue and Angelica Street. Fire crews responded to find a row of storage units ablaze and, after extinguishing the flames, found the remains of an unidentified person inside one of the units.
Fire Marshal Jeremy Searfoss noted that the fire was challenging to control due to the varied contents of the storage units, which included fireworks and propane tanks. These items posed significant risks to the firefighters. According to WFMZ, Searfoss stated, "These types of facilities are not designed for human occupancy," and mentioned that there was evidence suggesting the victim may have been living in the unit.
An autopsy is scheduled to determine the cause of death, and the Berks County coroner's office is involved in the investigation. The fire marshal's office is also looking into the cause of the fire. Reading Eagle reported that storage unit fires are not uncommon as temperatures drop, leading some individuals to seek shelter in these spaces.
As the investigation continues, officials are working to identify the deceased and understand the circumstances surrounding the fire. The community awaits further updates as authorities piece together the details of this tragic incident.