Two people died early Wednesday morning after a house fire broke out in the 3200 block of Morgantown Road, according to the Robeson Township Police Department.
Around 1:10 a.m. on April 9, a Robeson Township police officer discovered the home on fire and, along with an officer from the Shillington Borough Police Department, attempted to alert the occupants and gain entry. However, the fire and heat were too intense, preventing them from reaching anyone inside.
Multiple fire departments responded to the scene. Two victims were found on the first floor of the home and were transported to a hospital, where they were later pronounced dead. Authorities are withholding the identities of the victims until next of kin can be notified.
The Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal was called to investigate the cause of the fire. Initial findings determined that the blaze originated in or around the chimney connected to a wood stove. The fire has been classified as accidental. Officials also noted that there were no working smoke detectors inside the house.
“Our thoughts are with the families of the victims during this incredibly difficult time,” the department stated in a release. Officials are reminding residents to ensure that their homes have working smoke detectors and that chimneys connected to wood-burning stoves are regularly cleaned and maintained by qualified professionals.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Robeson Township Police Department.
The response involved numerous emergency agencies from Berks, Lancaster, and Chester Counties, including the Caernarvon Township and Shillington Borough police departments, the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal’s Office, and fire crews from Geigertown, Gibraltar, Birdsboro, Earl Township, Lower Alsace, Monocacy, Kenhorst, Brecknock, Mt. Penn, Exeter, Twin Valley, Boyertown Fire Rescue, Caernarvon, Cumru Township Central of Laureldale, and Tower Direct EMS.
