READING, Pa. – A three-alarm fire that spread through multiple homes in Reading early Sunday morning displaced six families, affecting 25 people, according to the American Red Cross.
One of those affected is a 10-year-old girl who suffered severe burns in the fire and remains hospitalized, according to her grandfather, who said she is expected to undergo multiple surgeries.
The girl’s grandfather rushed to the scene after learning about the fire in the 600 block of N. 9th Street, where she lives in one of the affected homes.
Reading firefighters were called to the scene around 3:20 a.m. Sunday, according to Reading Fire officials.
When crews arrived, they encountered heavy smoke and flames spreading rapidly from the first floor of a home. The fire spread to adjoining buildings, prompting a three-alarm response for additional firefighters and equipment.
Four residents were rescued from the fire and taken to the hospital, officials said. Two firefighters also suffered minor injuries while responding to the blaze.
Multiple homes were destroyed in the fire, leaving residents without housing. The American Red Cross is assisting the six families affected by the fire. Assistance can include a safe place to stay, financial assistance, and emotional support.
“We’re really trying to help that family reset and really be able to be thoughtful and have tools to work towards recovery,” said Peter Brown, executive director of the American Red Cross Pennsylvania Rivers Chapter.
The Red Cross typically works with families for 30 to 90 days after a disaster, helping them access the support and resources needed to begin recovering.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and officials have not yet released additional details.