Fire Sweeps Through Upper Providence Home

Fire investigators were spending Friday night trying to determine what sparked a  fire that swept through a single family home in Upper Providence. Firefighters from at least six companies in Delaware County responded to the blaze which was reported around 6:30p.m. at 550 Rosemary Circle.

No one was injured in the fire.

Rose Tree Fire Company Chief Bill MacCain, Jr. told Patch the homeowner, Neil O'Brien, was home at the time of the fire and was able to get out safely. A dog and two cats also escaped without injury. 

O'Brien's wife, Peggy arrived home after the fire had been put out and as firefighters in breathing masks and air tanks were combing the house to be sure there were no hidden sources of fire inside walls or crawl spaces. She confirmed that nobody was injured and that the family pets had also gotten out.

Chief MacCain said several extra fire crews had been called in because water pressure was low in one of the hydrants near the fire. Extra pumpers and hoses were needed to fight the fire which heavily damaged the back of the house and a side room.

MacCain said the Fire Marshall had been called in as part of a  routine investigation to determine the cause. MacCain said he and the Fire Marshall were back on the scene Saturday morning in the light of day as part of a routine investigation to determine the cause and origin of the fire. 

In addition to volunteers from the Rose Tree Fire Department, MacCain said six other fire companies (Media, Lima, Newtown Square, Springfield, Broomall, and Brookhaven) responded to assist with fighting the fire, providing water to the scene and medical support if needed for firefighters.