Quick actions by a neighbor probably saved the lives of a napping parent and child Tuesday afternoon after their Earl Township home caught on fire, according to state police.
The neighbor called 911 after discovering the fire about 1:20 p.m. at 1639 W. Philadelphia Ave. and kicked in the front door to alert the occupants, troopers said.
They had precious little time to escape the home that sits close to Route 73, also known as Philadelphia Avenue. Although smoke alarms were present, they were not property mounted due to interior renovations and did not alert the occupants, a state police fire marshal said in a news release.
Two dogs perished, and the house was gutted. One of the occupants was taken to an area hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation.
Troopers withheld the names and ages of the neighbor and the occupants.
According to state police:
The fire, which was quickly elevated to a second alarm, spread to a home next door at 1637 W. Philadelphia Ave., causing extensive damage to the exterior and interior.
Occupants of both homes were displaced.
About 100 firefighters from companies in Berks and Montgomery counties and 12,000 gallons of water were needed to control the fire within two hours. With no hydrants in the area, crews had to shuttle water to the scene by tanker truck, drawing water from a nearby pond.
Through an investigation, it was determined the fire originated near a shed behind 1639 W. Philadelphia Ave. No criminal activity is suspected.
Damage to the residence at 1639 was estimated at more than $300,000.
Route 73 was closed between School House and Sunset Hill roads until about 5 p.m.
Source: Berkshire mont
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