Fire kills one, displaces 21
Cause was likely ‘careless smoking’; Red Cross steps in to help victims
POTTSTOWN >> The Montgomery County Coroner has identified the victim of a serious fire that happened early Friday morning, Dec. 23.
David Juck, 55, was the single victim of a fire that broke out Friday leaving 20 others displaced. His body was discovered on the second floor of the building.
The fire started at around 1:30 a.m. at 434 E. High St. Friday and fire crews quickly arrived on scene, according to Pottstown Fire Chief Richard Lengel.
“I would say it was about 45 minutes before it was under control. Units were on scene one minute after dispatch,” said Lengel.
The American Red Cross was on the scene to assist the victims.
The Red Cross said Friday that they are currently assisting 10 families who were displaced by providing them with debit cards to replace lost items as well as a hotel for a few days. Lengel said there is no estimated time for when the residents will be able to return to their homes because of the extent of the damage.
Building owner Brian Hydier said that he was thankful for how quickly the department responded. He explained that the department managed to contain the fire to one apartment and that the rest suffered smoke and water damage.
“When I got here the fire was out. I have to praise the Pottstown Fire Department for reacting so quickly. They saved it from spreading to more than just the second floor. They were taking down some odds and ends on the roof when I got here and it was out,” said Hydier.
Friday morning, windows on the second and third floor of the building could be seen broken out with charred walls inside.
“Our hearts go out to the family that lost the gentleman in the fire. Nobody likes to see this happen ever but especially around the holidays,” said Hydier.
“We are working closely with the District Attorney and local police as the investigation continues,” said a representative from the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office.
Local police as well as the state police fire marshal and local fire marshal are investigating the blaze.
Lengel said the probable cause of the fire was ‘careless smoking.’
Pottstown Fire Department, New Hanover Fire Company, West End Fire Company, Sanatoga Fire Company, Limerick Fire Department, Ringing Hill Fire Company, Linfield Fire Company, Collegeville Fire Department and Goodwill Ambulance responded to the scene.