Back to Back Fires for Tower 53

 
By LPFD News Desk
May 24, 2026
 

Shortly after 12pm station 53 with Tower 53 was dispatched to assist Station 27 (Norristown) and other mutual aid partners with a reported residential structure fire in the unit block of Jacoby Street. The caller reported a fire on the 3rd floor. 
Tower 53's in-station crew responded immediately with 5. Assistant 27 arrived with smoke showing from the 3rd floor of a residence. 
Tower 53 arrived as the 1st out of town ladder company and deployed ground ladders to the building, assisted with search, overhaul, and ventilation. Thanks to the aggressive and coordinated efforts of the Norristown Fire Department and mutual aid partners with fire was quickly placed under control. 

As Tower 53 was backing out of the fire block, we were dispatched with Station 34 (Collegeville) and other regional partners to a reported commercial structure fire at the old Collegeville Costume Factory on E. 3rd Ave.  Caller reporting crackling and black smoke coming from the building. 

DC34 arrived and confirmed that heavy smoke was visible from the ground floor. 

Command was notified that Tower 53 had an extended ETA and was enroute and that if needed the night shift in-station crew was available. Command advised to send both crews; Rescue 53 responded with a crew of 5 and arrived as the 1st special service and assisted with forcible entry, search, and extinguishment. Tower 53 arrived as the 2nd due ladder company and set up at the front corner of the building. Crew deployed ground and aerial ladders, assisted with search , overhaul, and ventilation. 

Chief and Battalion 53-1 assisted with command function. 

Multiple fires were located and extinguished. The fire is under investigation at this time.