Steve Pestrock/Town and Country

updated 10/6/2021

            Firefighters were called to a building fire at 326 Main St. in East Greenville around 9:30 last Thursday morning.  Heavy smoke was seen rising from the roof of the three-story building when the first firefighters arrived.

            There were no reported injuries.  The fire quickly raced through the attic but fast action by firefighters extinguished the fire and kept it from spreading further. 

            There was substantial damage to the building's roof and interior and firefighters were required to spend an extensive amount of time searching for any fire extension or other "hot spots."

            The fire damage was contained to the attic area, with water and smoke damage on the second floor and water damage on the first floor. According to East Greenville Fire Marshal Jim Fry, the building is not habitable.

            Fry added that the cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the PA State Police Fire Marshal but that it appears to be accidental.

            The damage estimate was in excess of $100,000.  The building has two apartments on the first floor and one apartment on the second floor.  Five people were displaced by the fire.  The Red Cross was on the scene Thursday to provide assistance to those people.

            According to Montgomery County property records, the building is owned by Mohamed Bacchus of Jamaica, NY.

            Volunteers from East Greenville, Pennsburg, Red Hill, and Green Lane Fire Companies responded to the scene.  Also responding and assisting at the scene were units from Hereford and Eastern Berks Fire Companies in Berks County and Milford Twp. and Trumbauersville Fire Companies in Bucks County.

            Fire units from New Hanover and Tylersport stood by at Pennsburg's firehouse.  Emergency Medical Services units from the Upper Perkiomen Valley Ambulance also responded to the scene.

            Main Street was closed from Second Street to Fourth Street during the incident.  Firefighters were still on the scene until about 1:15 p.m. Thursday afternoon.