40 people displaced and 10 homes damaged after 2-alarm fire in Norristown

NORRISTOWN, Pennsylvania. – A dangerous two-alarm fire at a multi-unit residence displaced 40 people just before Thanksgiving.

The fire started around 2:45 p.m. Wednesday afternoon in the 700 block of Lafayette Street in Norristown, according to authorities.

Skyfox was above where smoke could be seen coming from the roof of the structure as firefighters worked to contain the flames.

A second alarm went off shortly after crews arrived.

No injuries were reported and authorities said all occupants were safely out of the building.

Ralph Latshaw and his wife had planned to go to his mother’s home for Thanksgiving dinner, but instead received a call Wednesday afternoon about the fire. Dolly Latshaw’s house caught fire, and shortly afterward, flames shot out of a second-story window in the house next door, and then, moments later, out of two windows.

The flames then spread quickly, eventually damaging 10 houses and eliminating 40 people overnight.

Latshaw learned that her mother was in good hands and safe, thanks to her neighbors across the street, who call her the neighborhood matriarch.

Neighbor Bernon Perry said: “I started knocking on every door in the neighborhood, knocking, banging, getting everyone out of their houses because the flames started quickly rising to the roof and They took so quickly.”

Another neighbor, Sietta Lindsey, said: “He started yelling, ‘Get out! Get out of the house! » So we helped other residents, by knocking on doors. »

Dolly and her 10 rescued and adopted pets – Oreo the dog and nine foster cats – made it out safely.

Steve Keeley asked his neighbor Robert Gallagher: “So, you saved all the cats she took in?”

“Yes,” he replied.

Latshaw continued: “They came out in time. And all the neighbors took care of her until I got there.”

Perry remarked, “The holiday is tomorrow. Your heart goes out to the people, why? It’s a tragedy.”

Dolly’s daughter-in-law Alicia put it perfectly when she said the holiday weekend got off to a bad start, but nowhere near as bad as it could have been given how the flames spread so quickly and grateful that her wonderful neighbors moved out. even faster to make sure everyone gets out alive and unharmed.

“Happy because everyone is here, but sad because we were going to celebrate Thanksgiving at my mother-in-law’s house, it’s so bittersweet,” Alicia Latshaw said.

Crews brought the fire under control shortly before 5 p.m.

The Red Cross is working with families to provide them with supplies in the coming days.

No cause has been reported.