A Shillington couple was displaced by a weekend fire sparked by a propane weed-burning torch, fire officials said Monday.
The blaze was discovered shortly after 1:30 p.m. Saturday in the first block of Kings Boulevard. Firefighters arrived to find the rear deck ablaze, with flames already extended to the eve of the one-story home, Shillington Fire Company Deputy Chief David Bentz said.
The fire probably started earlier but went unnoticed, he said, adding that around the time the initial calls came in, the ash-colored column of smoke could be seen from as far away as the Pagoda atop Mount Penn.
It is believed that the fire was sparked after the torch was put down. The still-hot tip likely ignited some combustible material, and it expanded quickly once the polycarbonate decking material caught on fire, Bentz said.
The man was taken to Reading Hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation, Bentz said. A cat was rescued from the home.
A second alarm was struck to ensure there were enough personnel and apparatus to put out the fire. Crews from as far as Exeter Township and Wernersville responded.
“The bulk of the fire was outside, but it got into the attic space,” said Bentz, adding that the home is temporarily uninhabitable due to the damage.
A damage estimate was unavailable.
An American Red Cross team responded to handle any emergency needs.