Dozens of people remain out of their homes after a three-alarm fire at a condominium complex in Montgomery County.
The fire began around 9:30 p.m. at the Chelsea Condominiums complex on the 1600 block of Church Road in Wyncote. PA. Witnesses at the scene told NBC10 the complex is a popular off-campus housing for students from Arcadia University. Officials believe it started as a stove fire in Unit B of the building.
Around 125 firefighters arrived at the scene. At least three people were pulled from the burning building. Firefighters plucked some from their balconies.
The fire was placed under control around 3 a.m.
Two firefighters and five residents were taken to the hospital. Officials say they all suffered from non-life threatening injuries.
The entire complex was evacuated. The gas and electric units inside the complex were turned off.
“I know the management of the property is working to come up with answers and help for the residents,” said Chief Joe Stuckert of the Glenside Fire Department. “They have to work with PECO and contractors to try to get the gas and electric back on. We can’t allow them into the building at this point in time until we can deem it safe.”
“I heard more sirens than I’ve ever heard,” said Michael Cleary. “I’ve been in Glenside for almost 20 years and heard more sirens than I’ve ever heard. You can smell the smoke almost through my windows in the house.”
The Red Cross opened a shelter at Cheltenham High School and are currently assisting 22 displaced residents with more expected to arrive. The shelter will remain open Saturday night into Sunday.
