Bucks Co. Bowling Alley Fire: Federal Investigators On Scene

LEVITTOWN, PA — In the aftermath of the three-alarm fire that destroyed Levittown Lanes, investigators are still looking for the source of the flames, and local residents are mourning the loss of the long-time haunt.

Multiple fire departments arrived at the New Falls Road bowling alley after the fire broke out around 5 a.m. on Wednesday, March 30. Firefighters were still working to put out hotspots at the building by 9 a.m. The road was closed as of 7 a.m., along with Amelia and Orchard drives.

Falls Township Fire Marshal Rich Dippolito said that federal investigators were called to the scene, as they have resources that the fire department and other local agencies do not have. Dippolito added that it was still too early to determine the cause.

Heavy equipment will be brought in to move debris as the investigation continues, according to Dippolito.

Many nearby businesses had to change their hours as the fire had affected traffic and caused damage to their locations.

Tom Rudesyle, a local tattoo artist at Outta Sight Studios, took to social media to let customers know that their operation will be put on pause, as the fire affected their studio space.

"Due to the awful fire that is taking place to our neighbors at the Band Box/Levittown Lanes, we will be postponing all upcoming appointments for the near future until we are able to figure out what type of effects this devastating fire has had on our space," Rudesyle wrote.

"Our thoughts are with everyone involved."

JoJo's Ice Cream & Water Ice, located in close proximity to Levittown Lanes, shared their condolences to the owners while also sharing updates on the damage they incurred.

"What a day. I just want to thank the heroes: the fire fighters. Thankfully the loss we incurred was very minimal because of them," the ice cream business wrote on Wednesday. "We plan on opening tomorrow at 12pm."

"Once again our hearts go out to Al and Mike from the bowling alley and bar. Hopefully we see many familiar and new faces tomorrow."

The Bucks County bowling community also spoke about their sadness at the loss of such a long-standing gathering place, where generations of families

"This is a sad day for Lower Bucks County bowling," said David M. Strippoli, President of the Penndel Bowling Center. "Our thoughts are with Al, Mike, the Staff, and the bowlers of Levittown Lanes."

The nearby Learning Experience updated parents on their hours of operation, as traffic consumed New Falls Road and blocked traffic for hours.

"Due to emergency vehicles blocking the roads and parking lot, The Learning Experience, Levittown will be closed today. The health and safety of our children and staff is our top priority. Stay safe."

One group of people who have frequented the popular bowling spot was the Pennsbury Falcons bowling team, who used the local lanes as a practice spot for years.

"Right now, things are up in the air for next season as far as where we will bowl," Coach Arnie Lautt told Patch via email. "Fortunately for us, our season is over and it will not impact us this year."

Lautt, who started coaching the team in the past year, says the Falcons used Levittown Lanes for years; it was a place that the team called home.

"Thankfully, no one was hurt, and our thoughts go out to Gail and Danny who took care of our team for many years, as well as all the other employees that are impacted [by] this tragedy."