3 Firefighters Injured, Family Displaced After Major Collegeville Fire

COLLEGEVILLE, PA — Three firefighters were injured and several local residents were left without a home after a powerful fire swept through a small apartment building in Collegeville Tuesday afternoon.

The incident began at 12:30 p.m. at a home on the 400 block of Main Street, near the corner of E. 4th Street, next to the Forno Antico restaurant.

Heavy flames were seen bursting out of the top of the two-story building and out of the roof, and massive plumes of smoke rose into the air.

Crews used ground ladders and firefighters attacked the blaze from the roof, while other firefighters searched the building and opened ceilings and walls to expose the flames, officials said.

A total of four apartments were inside the building.

The injuries to the three firefighters were described as "minor" and they were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The cause of the blaze is not yet clear and remains under investigation.

Fundraisers have been launched for the victims. At least one family, including a father, mother, infant, and dog, were not harmed but lost "everything," according to friends.

Donations are being accepted to help them with basic personal care items as they try to get back on their feet.