The City of Reading Department of Fire & Rescue Services has released new information on several recent and past fire incidents, along with a renewed call for property owners to maintain fire protection systems.
Fatal fire on Angelica Street
Firefighters responded to a fire at 20 Angelica Street on Sunday, October 26, 2025, involving a stand-alone storage building. According to the department, the fire began when candles were placed too close to combustible materials. The incident resulted in a fatality. City officials extended their condolences to the family and noted that the fire underscores the importance of basic safety precautions.
Multiple fires at 600 South 9th Street
The department also released additional details on two prior incidents at 600 South 9th Street.
On October 31, 2023, crews arrived to find a fire that started in a stairwell and spread to the roof. It was brought under control in about 30 minutes. Fire investigators determined the blaze had been intentionally set, and the discovery of unidentified chemicals prompted cleanup by the EPA and contracted teams.
A second fire occurred at the property on November 2, 2023, this time on the top floor. Interior firefighting operations were halted for safety reasons. Investigators again ruled the fire intentional, and officials said both incidents were connected.
The building had already been under Fire Code enforcement for non-operational sprinkler and alarm systems. According to the department, occupants continued using the building without correcting those violations. Fire officials said that functioning systems would have helped control the fires more quickly and reduced risk to both residents and emergency crews.
Investigation ongoing
The Office of the Fire Marshal, the Reading Police Department Criminal Investigations Division, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are continuing to investigate the incidents. Authorities said anyone with information is encouraged to contact investigators. A monetary reward may be offered leading to an arrest.
City issues fire safety reminder
In addition to specific case updates, the department highlighted the dangers of buildings with non-working sprinkler systems and cited several major fires in Reading over the past decade where automatic fire protection systems were absent or not functioning.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, sprinkler systems operate in 92 percent of fires and are 97 percent effective in controlling them. City officials urged property owners to maintain fire alarms and sprinklers and to address hazards promptly.
“Fire Codes protect people and firefighters,” the department noted, stressing that proactive maintenance plays a key role in preventing tragedies and reducing the risk of large-scale damage.
