(Credit: Christen Fackler/iOrganize)
Firefighters from across upper Bucks County are battling a fully involved commercial building fire Thursday at Electroline Corporation, 6182 Easton Road in Plumstead Township, authorities said.
According to emergency dispatch reports, crews were called to the property near Apple Butter Road and Keller’s Church Road around 12:04 p.m. after heavy fire was reported at the front of the building. A transformer attached to the structure was also reported on fire, with flames extending into electrical equipment.
Employees were able to evacuate the building safely, according to early reports from the scene.
Firefighters also reported electrical fire conditions involving power lines and a possible natural gas leak, prompting requests for PECO crews to respond and secure utilities in the area within the hour. Reports shortly before 12:30 p.m. stated gas was shut off and a partial collapse of the front of the building.
At around 12:20 p.m., firefighters reported inaccessibility to the front of the building, and reported smoke conditions at the back of the building.
At 12:24 p.m., first responders reported that they "were at a standstill" until PECO arrived on scene, which occurred by 12:30 p.m.
Around the same time, fire crews reported smoke was showing on one of the sides of the building, and were preparing to break windows to start extinguishing the blaze. An old brick wall along the front was also comprised and had begun peeling off the building, per reports.
Crews were also ready to "hit (the fire) really well" once word was given that PECO cut power, with "a clear shot into the middle of the dwelling."
By 12:36 p.m., the power was secured to the building and crews began knocking down the fire with multiple hand lines, but reported risks with collapsing structures and a large 8-foot-deep pit in the rear of the building, covered with a metal lid.
By 12:40 p.m., aerial firefighting began from the roof, avoiding a corner of the building with a active gas fire.
At 12:41 p.m., fire officials requested a graduation to a two-alarm fire, per radio traffic. Around 12:45 p.m., fire crews reported the fire was being knocked down successfully, with lessening black smoke. However, the gas fire will soon become priority. Additional crews from Ottsville Fire were called to the scene around 12:50 p.m.
Gas to the building was secured by 12:52 p.m., per radio traffic.
Around 1 p.m., fire crews reported the fire was under control, with an excavator called to the site. Officials reported a firewall in the building helped slow the fire from taking over the roof.
Responding agencies include Doylestown Fire Company, Community Fire Company No. 1, Ottsville Fire Company, Point Pleasant Fire Company, Plumsteadville Fire Company, Dublin Fire Company, Chalfont Fire, Tullytown Fire, Upper Bucks Regional EMS, Delaware Valley Fire Company, Midway Fire Co., Lingohocken Fire Co., Silverdale Fire Co., and Warwick Fire Co.
Crews remain on scene working to control the fire and assess hazards related to utilities and the structure.
Plumstead Police said Route 611 is currently closed in both directions between Kellers Church and Applebutter roads due to fire activity.
As a result, access to local businesses in the area is not available at this time, police said. Please plan an alternate route and avoid the area until further notice.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available
