Abington Township Fire Marshal Is Reminding Residents About Fire Safety After Philly Fire

ABINGTON, PA — The township's fire marshal is reminding local residents about the importance of fire safety following a recent fire in the City of Philadelphia that claimed the lives of numerous individuals, including young children.

Abington Township Fire Marshal John Rohrer sent a letter to the community this week urging residents to take fire safety in their homes seriously.

"As our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those lost in the horrific fire in Philadelphia this morning, and in support of the Philadelphia Fire Department and their valiant efforts, I'd like to remind each and every resident and business owner to help us in preventing a tragic incident in our community," Rohrer wrote in the letter, which was dated Jan. 5.

Twelve people were reported dead following the deadly house fire in the city's Fairmount section on Wednesday, and initial reports said the cause could have possibly been a young child playing with a lighter near a Christmas tree.

In his letter to the community, Abington's Rohrer urged folks to check their smoke detectors and fire alarm systems to ensure they are in working order, and encouraged residents to review any emergency action plans to make sure "everyone in your home or business knows what to do in case of fire or emergencies.

"Talk to children on how to escape in the event of a fire and where to go once outside," Rohrer wrote. "Have a meeting place designated so when the Fire Department does arrive, they can quickly determine if someone is missing."

Rohrer urged anyone who has concerns or questions regarding fire safety to contact his office at 267-536-1057.