Firefighters were called to the 300 block of Creekside Lane at 4:30 a.m., Warwick Emergency Services Commission Fire Commissioner Duane Ober said.
“When we arrived, we had fire shown in multiple locations,” Ober explained, estimating that 100 firefighters from a dozen companies battled the blaze before 5 a.m.
Although five people were transported to local hospitals, their injuries were described as minor, Ober added.
Four firefighters were also injured and taken to he hospital after a part of the roof and ceiling collapsed on them.
The building, which housed dozens of residents in 20 apartmnts, is uninhabitable due to extensive fire, smoke, and water damage, Ober said. The cost of the damage has yet to be determined.
The fire’s cause is under investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal.
The American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania deployed its Disaster Action Team around 6 a.m., assisting 22 people — 21 adults and one child — affected by the fire.
“The Red Cross provided assistance and resources for emergency lodging, food, relief supplies, emotional support, and other assistance,” the organization said in a statement. “Caseworkers will continue to help the impacted residents in the days and weeks ahead to ensure the residents receive the resources they need to recover.”
Anyone with information about the fire is urged to contact the Northern Lancaster County Regional Police Department.
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