Pottstown High Rise Fire Underscores Urgency Of Housing Crisis: Mayor

POTTSTOWN, PA — Pennsylvania State Police are continuing to investigate the fire at a high rise apartment building in Pottstown on Thursday morning which left five people injured and dozens without a home.

It's still not yet clear what caused the blaze, which occurred at the Robert P. Smith Towers apartment community on 501 E. High Street, or if it is being considered suspicious. The Smith towers are a Montgomery County Housing Authority project designed for the at-risk elderly and disabled population.

The Red Cross and the Housing Authority had to help more than 60 residents find emergency hotels and replacement medications, officials said.

Related: Use Unoccupied County Property For Homeless Shelters, Montco Advocates Say

"We are lucky to have such experienced, intelligent, compassionate and dedicated employees, staff and service providers," Pottstown Mayor Stephanie Henrick said. "Many don’t realize how quickly life as you know it can disappear. Your ID, social security card, bank/credit cards, cash, checkbook, important papers, possessions, hygiene products, life-saving medications, ADL & physical aids, computer/electronics, clothing, photos, furniture, memories, groceries…"

Henrick said the incident underscored the urgency of finding a more sustainable and immediate solution to the housing crisis in the county.

"All municipalities in Montco need to step up," she said. "Enough is enough. Stop stomping your feet and throwing temper tantrums! Stop with your NIMBY attitudes! I wonder - Does it change things when it’s your disabled elderly mother/grandmother living in tent city instead of the 'faceless unnamed stereotypical freeloading addict?'"

Authorities expressed gratitude Friday for the collaborative effort from multiple agencies to put out the fire and limit the damage.

"The Borough would like to take a moment to thank everyone involved in the collective effort regarding the fire at Robert P. Smith Towers yesterday," the borough said in a statement. "The dedication, hard work, and most importantly, swift action, has made a significant impact and words cannot express our sincerest gratitude."

The blaze began at around 6:05 a.m. Thursday.

The fire was traced to the fifth floor of the building, and firefighters immediately began search and rescue procedures for residents in the area.

The five residents who were injured were transported to the hospital for further treatment of burns, smoke inhalation, and other injuries.