The cause of a fire at the former Lincoln Chemical building in Reading remains under investigation, fire officials said Wednesday.
Initial calls came in Tuesday about 5:30 p.m., reporting smoke from the upper floors of the building at 600 S. Ninth St.
Crews arriving at the scene reported smoke showing, and noted a fire on the third floor that was extending into the roof.
Crews ran a line through the building, and opened up the roof to contain the blaze.
The fire was reported under control about 6 p.m.
Ninth Street at Cotton Street was closed.
Firefighters said the building was known to shelter homeless occupants and they found signs of recent occupancy but no people.
Reading Lt. Fire Marshal John Naylor said Wednesday that the fire started in the third-floor stairwell, but the cause was not yet known.
A damage estimate was unavailable.
Naylor said the investigation continues.
Source: Berkshire mont