Superior Play Systems in West Norriton, Montgomery County, demolished after 4-alarm fire
Crews demolished Superior Play Systems in West Norriton Township in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, Tuesday, a day after a four-alarm fire ravaged the building.
Chopper 3 was over the scene of the fire Monday in the 2500 block of Industry Lane just off North Trooper Road. Large flames and thick smoke were seen coming from the building.
The fire began around 11:15 a.m. Monday and damaged most of the building. Crews were on scene in just minutes.
Machines were moving large pieces of metal and debris Tuesday afternoon after part of the building collapsed during the fire.
Jefferson Fire Company Chief Kenny Knauer said about 130 trucks responded to the scene.
Knauer said while they initially got inside, firefighters had to pull back because the flames were too much, then began battling the blaze from the outside.
Officials said everyone inside the building made it out and no injuries have been reported.
A nearby business was evacuated as a precaution. Getting enough water to fight the fire was also a challenge. There is a hydrant across from the building, but crews also had to run lines around a half mile out to Trooper Road to get even more water.
"The next step is we're having heavy excavators come in to pull the building apart so we can get to the hot spots in the building and actually get this fire contained and under control," Knauer said. "For the most part, it's under control. It's pretty much becoming a surround and drown of soaking all the hot spots. But like I said, there is very combustible material in this building. It's all playground systems and everything else. So, it's going to take a little bit."
Knauer said it was one of the largest fires the township has seen in more than 20 years.
"It's a one-in-a-lifetime fire," Knauer said.
The building is owned by Superior Play Systems, which makes playground equipment. Neighbors said kids could come to the building to play on the equipment and the website also said the facility hosted birthday parties.
"While we are deeply saddened by the damage to this location, we want to reassure our local families that Superior Play Systems® is still fully operational," the company said in a Facebook post Monday night.
Michelle Tooker and her kids were at a party just last month.
"The kids just had a phenomenal time. They had trampolines, playsets, basketball hoops, and kids of all ages were there, really enjoying the experience," Tooker said. "It's such a shame what happened yesterday with the fire."
Corropolese Italian Bakery and Deli's main baking facility sits next door.
The family business, famous for its rolls and tomato pies, has been open for more than 100 years. The general manager told CBS News Philadelphia on Tuesday that her heart goes out to her neighbors and she's thankful her building was saved.
"It's stressful just watching that come closer kind of to the heart of our company," Amanda Corropolese said. "I don't think we can express how grateful we are to the first responders. I mean, they literally saved our lives, saved our company, saved our employees' jobs."
The cause of the fire is being investigated by the fire marshal, state police and the Philadelphia Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The cause was still under investigation Tuesday.
West Norriton officials encouraged residents to avoid the area. Roads near the scene have reopened.
