A massive fire at a senior living community in Pennsylvania has injured at least 20 people and forced dozens more, many of whom are unable to walk, into the cold night.
Firefighters were still dousing hot spots Friday, even though the inferno was declared under control just before 1:30am.
The blaze was reported around 11pm on Thursday at Barclay Friends Senior Living Community in West Chester, about 35 miles west of Philadelphia.
The town’s fire chief would not comment Friday on the extent of the injuries or if there were any deaths. It is not clear what started the fire.
Fire engulfs the Barclay Friends Senior Living Community in West Chester, Pennsylvania, on Thursday night
Elderly residents, some with oxygen tanks, are bundled in blankets and sit in their wheelchairs after being evacuated from the Barclay Friends Senior Living Community on Friday night after the fire
The fire quickly spread to multiple buildings and flames could be seen shooting from the roofs and windows of the structures.
Residents were forced to evacuate outside into the cold, with temperatures overnight hovering in the low 40s.
News helicopter video showed dozens of residents on the lawn or along the street, wrapped in blankets.
Many of them had been pushed in wheelchairs or rolled on beds to safety.
Firefighters were still dousing hot spots Friday, even though the inferno was declared under control just before 1:30am
The blaze was reported around 11pm on Thursday at Barclay Friends Senior Living Community in West Chester, about 35 miles west of Philadelphia
A resident of the Barclay Friends Senior Living Community is assisted away from the scene of the fire in West Chester, Pennsylvania before dawn on Friday
According to its website, Barclay Friends offers various levels of care including memory care, skilled nursing and post-acute rehab. Firefighters are seen above working at the scene Friday morning
Early Friday morning, the local chapter of the American Red Cross said on Twitter that it had multiple teams on the scene and that it was working with county officials and facility staff to assist displaced residents
Smoke from the fire could still be seen emanating from the facility after sun-up on Friday morning
People are seen above walking from a bus in the aftermath of the fire on Friday morning
A pile of blankets and walkers set by the side of the road are seen near the facility on Friday
A couple walks in the vicinity of the facility as thick smoke continues to blanket the area
Chester County emergency officials said at least 20 people were taken to area hospitals for treatment.
The extent of their injuries was not immediately known.
A spokeswoman for Main Line Health, a not-for-profit health system, said one of its hospitals also was prepared to provide shelter to some additional residents of the senior living community.
Some residents were taken to nearby West Chester University.
According to its website, Barclay Friends offers various levels of care including memory care, skilled nursing and post-acute rehab.
Early Friday morning, the local chapter of the American Red Cross said on Twitter that it had multiple teams on the scene and that it was working with county officials and facility staff to assist displaced residents.
A cause of the fire remained under investigation.
Messages left for West Chester Mayor Jordan Norley and Assistant to the Mayor and Chief of Police Rachelle Sellers weren’t immediately returned.
Officials urge family members of residents to report to the Goodwill Fire Station located at 552 E. Union Street in West Chester or to call 610-757-5863.