A firefighter suffered a minor injury and six residents were displaced in Upper Darby on Monday evening when three rowhomes were damaged by fire.
Township fire crews were dispatched shortly after 6:20 p.m. for a house fire in the first block of College Avenue.
Upon arrival, the report was for smoke showing from the roof line in a middle-of-the-row residence.
Fire crews on College Avenue in Upper Darby. (COURTESY UPPER DARBY PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS IAFF LOCAL 2493)
Upper Darby Assistant Fire Chief Robert Callahan said the fire began in an unoccupied home that was being renovated, and spread into the adjoining properties.
The firefighter was transported to Lankenau Medical Center for a minor injury, the chief said.
Fire was located in the walls and crews had to spend time opening the walls and ceilings looking for concealed flames.
Helmet cams from firefighters shows flames licking out from joists. Crews also went to the roof to open venting holes as well as to limit the spread.
The working fire dispatch and a special request for additional units brought the equivalent of a second alarm to the scene, with assistance from Llanerch, Darby, Lansdowne, Manoa, Collingdale and Yeadon fire companies.
Fire personnel on the roof. (COURTESY UPPER DARBY PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS IAFF LOCAL 2493)
Callahan said the fire was placed under control in about 25 minutes. The concealed fire caused extensive damage to all three homes.
The six residents from the two adjoining homes were assisted by the Red Cross.
Callahan said though the fire is not believed to be suspicious but the cause is under investigation.