NORRISTOWN — A person died of injuries that resulted from a house fire over the weekend in Norristown, the Municipality of Norristown said Monday.
Norristown fire crews and first responders from nearby agencies were dispatched to reports of a fire at 11 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 3 at a home along the 400 block of East Moore Street.
Firefighters saw “heavy fire coming from the first floor rear of the building” when they arrived at the scene, according to a municipal spokesperson, and a person was found trapped inside the building. The victim was then rescued by firefighters before being treated by Plymouth Community Ambulance responders.
The victim was pronounced dead after being taken to Suburban Community Hospital in East Norriton Township, according to a municipal spokesperson. The victim’s identity has not yet been released by the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office.
“Last night’s house fire was a tragic event that has us saddened by the loss of a member of our community,” Municipal Administrator Leonard Lightner said in a statement on Monday. “We offer our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.”
No working smoke detectors were in the home, according to a municipal spokesperson. The residence next door also sustained minor damage. While the incident is being investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police as well as Norristown’s fire and police departments, the fire is believed to be accidental.
“Let us come together to ensure our homes and neighbors’ homes have fire safety measures in place and that everyone is educated about the dangers of fire,” Lightner said.
Any Norristown residents in need of a smoke detector can have one installed in their residence for free. Call the municipality’s smoke detector hotline at 610-270-2870 for more information.
