Fire damages six buildings

Crews from 10 fire companies battled a threealarm fire that damaged six buildings in Fleetwood and displaced seven people Thursday night.

When crews arrived at the 100 block of East Locust Street around 10:47 p.m., they discovered a home and several cars engulfed in flames.

“I came around the corner and thought ‘holy moly,’” said Fleetwood Fire Chief John Manmiller. “It had a really good head start. We definitely had an uphill battle from the time we got there, and we got there very quickly.”

Second and third alarms were dispatched shortly after Manmiller arrived.

“It started at 113 (E. Locust St.) and quickly spread via an attached porch to 111,” Manmiller said. “Then it jumped about an 8-foot span and got 115 and 117 involved.”

The construction of the 2½ story older homes did not help firefighters battle the fire.

“There were a lot of voids, not a lot of insulation,” Manmiller said. “Once it got in (the walls), it went really, really quick.”

The fire was brought under control shortly before 3 a.m. Friday, and crews left the scene around 5 a.m., Manmiller said.

Fleetwood Seventh Day Adventist Church at 109 E. Locust St. and a home at 119 E. Locust St. had minor damage.

Four adults and three children are being assisted by the Red Cross, Manmiller said.

One firefighter was transported to a local hospital for treatment of a minor injury, he said.

Manmiller did not have an official damage estimate but said four of the homes were “decimated,” and the damage estimate for the buildings could “easily be $650,000.”

The Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of the fire.

Manmiller said the community has stepped up to help the families.

People interested in helping them should go to the Facebook page You’re Not Alone Fleetwood for information on items needed.

A bank account is being set up for the families at Fleetwood Bank. Homer’s Bar & Grill, Fleetwood Beverages and GRQ Used Furniture are donation sites.