Video: 2-alarm fire at Pa. EMS station damages ambulance

By Laura French

SPRING TOWNSHIP, Pa. — One person suffered possible smoke inhalation and at least one ambulance was damaged in a fire at a Pennsylvania EMS station on Thursday night. 

Firefighters responded to the West Berks Ambulance station at about 7 p.m., and the incident was later raised to two alarms, according to WFMZ. There were three ambulances parked inside the station at the time of the fire, and investigators believe the blaze started in the engine compartment of one of the rigs. 

One person was taken to the hospital to be evaluated for possible smoke inhalation, as a precaution due to them having asthma, according to West Berks Ambulance Association President Michael Leifer. It is unclear if that person is a member of the ambulance service.

Also unclear is the exact extent of the damage to the ambulance where the fire is believed to have started, but Leifer said the incident will not result in delays to emergency services in the area. Photographs appear to show serious damage to the front end of the rig. No other injuries were reported as a result of the fire. 

An investigation into the fire by the state police fire marshal remains ongoing. The other two ambulances in the station at the time of the blaze will also be assessed for damage. Leifer credited the quick response of firefighters and other emergency crews for limiting the extent of the damage, with flames being contained to the first floor of the building. 

Leifer also said the public safety community has been incredibly supportive of West Berks Ambulance after the fire, with several agencies reaching out to offer assistance.