Person dies in two-alarm house fire
Several firefighters treated for heat-related injuries
JENKINTOWN » One person died in a two-alarm house fire involving intense heat and smoke Friday night, July 1, according to a statement from the Jenkintown police and fire chiefs. The identity of the victim was not immediately released, pending family notification.
Several firefighters were treated for heat-related issues, and two were taken to hospitals, one with heat exhaustion and another with a possible heart attack, according to the release from Police Chief Thomas Scott and Fire Chief Ken Lynch.
According to police, police and the fire department received multiple calls shortly after 7:30 p.m. July 1 reporting a possible fire at 219 Summit Ave.
First arriving officers and fire department personnel found heavy fire from the first and second floor of the residence. In addition, there were reports of a person trapped inside the building.
The responding fire companies started to extinguish the fire and search for the occupant of the residence.
Firefighters found the victim unconscious on the second floor of the residence, and immediately began life-saving treatment. The victim succumbed to injuries and smoke inhalation at Abington Jefferson Hospital.
The residents of the adjacent property were evacuated and will be staying with family.
The fire response was elevated to a second alarm because of the intense heat and smoke, the release stated. Fire companies from Abington, Cheltenham and Springfield responded to assist the Jenkintown Fire Department. EMS units from Second Alarmers Rescue Squad, Cheltenham EMS and Horsham Fire Company assisted at the scene.
One firefighter was transported to the hospital for a possible heart attack, while another firefighter was transported for heat exhaustion, the release stated. Several firefighters were treated on scene for heat related issues and one was treated for a minor burn.
The fire is under investigation by the Jenkintown Fire Marshal along with assistance from Cheltenham, Lower Moreland, and the Pa. State Police Fire Marshal. The residence sustained severe damage as a result of the fire.