Part of a home in Hereford Township was destroyed by a fire Sunday that was attributed to outdoor burning.
The owner of the home in the 1800 block of Tollgate Road, between Hill and Lesher Mill roads, was burning refuse in a burn barrel about 2 p.m. when the fire ignited dry grass and leaves, spreading to the house, said Chief Josh Dorowski of Hereford Fire Company.
An addition to the home caught on fire. When crews arrived, the chief said, flames were spreading to the attic. A second alarm was struck to draw additional tanker trucks.
No one was injured.
Firefighters from Berks, Montgomery and Lehigh counties responded along with a crew from Bucks County.
Firefighters laid about 2,400 feet of supply line to draw water from a creek. Despite droughtlike conditions, the creek had adequate depth, Dorowski said.
Many of the tankers en route to the fire were called off once the supply was established.
The roof of the addition was destroyed.
Dorowski said crews managed to stop the fire from spreading to another addition and the original stucco portion of the house, but there was smoke damage throughout, rendering the home uninhabitable.
He estimated damage at more than $250,000.
The homeowner was staying with family members in the area until repairs can be made, the chief said.
