Firefighters discovered a body in a self-storage unit at Storage Fortress in Reading, Pennsylvania, after extinguishing a blaze that engulfed a row of units early Sunday morning. Remains of the unidentified victim were found while responders cleared hot spots after the fire was put out. Reading Fire Marshal Jeremy Searfoss said there was evidence that the victim was illegally living in the unit, according to a source.
Crews were dispatched to the facility at 20 Angelica St. at 3:30 a.m. The fire proved challenging to control due to varied contents including fireworks and propane tanks that posed risks to responders. The incident remains under investigation by the city’s fire marshal’s office. Officials are awaiting autopsy results before commenting on the nature of the fire or cause of death, the source reported.
Storage Fortress operates four facilities in Birdsboro and Reading, Pennsylvania.
Source: Fire Rescue 1, Pa. Firefighters Find Body During Storage Unit Fire