Blaze Destroys Apartment Building, Displaces Families

NORTH COVENTRY TOWNSHIP, PA — Responders from four counties answered calls to a massive blaze that devoured the Ashwood Apartments Thursday night, injuring seven people and displacing 100 people, according to Chester County Commissioner Josh Maxwell.

Royersford Fire Department said the initial call reported fire coming through the roof with several residents trapped in the burning building. Fire had spread through the apartment complex in the 700 block of Worth Blvd., producing heavy smoke.

Police immediately evacuated residents from the building, as Owen J. Roberts School District buses awaited to transport them for assistance from the Red Cross, according to a North Coventry Police Department report.

Goodwill Ambulance took seven people for emergency medical care, including three firefighters. More than 100 people lost their homes.

Norco Fire Company and North Coventry Twp. Police were first to respond to the fire at 7:20 p.m.

An additional 30 fire companies and emergency medical service units from Chester, Berks, Montgomery, and Delaware counties responded. It took several hours to bring the fire under control, police said.

Aerial views showed the interior of the brick building completely engulfed in flames.

Norco Fire Department said on Friday that they were overwhelmed with the amount of clothing donations that have come to the station to help the fire victims. They are asking that donations to help be made to https://donorbox.org/norco.

Nearby Royersford Mayor Jenna Antoniewicz said on Friday morning, "My heart goes out to all impacted by yesterday's fire. I'm so thankful for our first responders who look out for us—our Royersford Fire and Police were helping on the scene at several incidents yesterday. And all of our neighbors." The mayor added a (heart) to her public statement. "As I hear of ways to help all involved in this tragedy, I will let you know. Be well, Royersford."

North Coventry Township on Friday published a statement also, thanking the community's volunteers and emergency responders. "It was a team effort bolstered by an absolutely overwhelming response from the community," the township said. "Thank you to all the emergency responders and volunteers who assisted both on scene fighting the fire at the Ashwood Apartments last evening and at the Norco Fire Company assisting displaced residents. Our state representatives, local businesses, the OJR School District and many individuals have been available and eager to assist in any way possible all night long."

North Coventry Township said the township and Norco Fire Company will be working with the Red Cross to ensure that the needs of the fire victims are met.

Sen. Katie Muth (PA-44) praised community responders, saying, "This community never ceases to amaze me, especially when it comes to helping those who need it most in times of need. Our firefighters and first responders from the tri-county area did an absolutely incredible job and I am thankful for their dedication to the health and safety of our community."