UPDATE: Empty Alcohol Containers Taken into Evidence in Fire Investigation

UPDATE 7:36 p.m.

A fire at 1010 Anders Road in Towamencin Monday night appears to have started in the second-floor master bedroom, according to Towamencin Fire Marshal Kevin Pezzano.

Upon arrival, responding units found a 2-story single family dwelling with heavy fire on the second floor.

Examination showed that the fire had spread to the attic and roof area and damage to the roof was significant, according to Pezzano. The rest of the building sustained signficant water damage throughout.

The homeowners, Guy and Rebecca Jo Malick, were not home.

When asked about alcohol containers being taken from the scene, Pezzano said the containers were empty.

"They were actually samples that were shipped off to the lab earlier this morning," he said.

Pezzano could not comment any further on the contents of the samples as they are evidence.

The North Penn Goodwill Canteen Service provided support to the companies on scene Monday night and Upper Salford Fire Co. provided standby coverage in Towamencin.

The Towamencin Fire Marshal and Towamencin Police are investigating the cause of the fire.

A call for the fire went out around 9:44 p.m. The fire was under control a half-hour later.

An unidentified police officer said he could see flames from the intersection of Valley Forge Road and Anders Road upon arrival.

Monday night story

Multiple fire crews found themselves with their hands full Monday night, as the roof of a home on Anders Road spewed flames that were visible from Valley Forge Road.

Units from the Worcester Fire Company, Upper Gwynedd Fire Department, North Penn Fire Company and Towamencin Fire Company were dispatched to the single-family residence shortly after 9:30 p.m., after a next-door neighbor quickly called 9-1-1 after seeing flames shooting out of the roof.

Joining them were multiple units from the Lansdale Volunteer Medical Service Corps, and a heavy police presence courtesy of the Towamencin Police Department.

Fire units had the blaze under control in less than a half hour, though smoke was still clearly visible as police and fireman were still bringing equipment on to the scene as late as 11:15 p.m.

The home is located on a heavily wooded lot, though damage to the roof was clearly visible through the brush, with visibility aided by a raised spotlight by a truck from Station 62. No injuries were reported.

The sound of chainsaws rang through the night, as trees and brush were cleared out in an effort to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading.

A police officer, accompanied by a fireman, both wearing latex gloves, carried out multiple containers of alcohol, including empty bottles of champagne and liquor.

Shortly after, the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal arrived, who spoke at length with the local police before walking onto the scene of the fire.

Upon questioning, Patch was informed that the cause of the fire was unknown, and that the investigation had just begun.

to see our previous reports.