A multi-alarm fire heavily damaged PA Imports Auto Sales, an independent used-car dealership in Bridgeport, Pa., Monday evening, with at least one person hospitalized with burns and the cause of the fire under investigation.
The fire broke out at about 5:10 p.m. Sept. 7 at the dealership at 1070 DeKalb St., according to local officials. Firefighters from Bridgeport and surrounding departments responded as flames spread through the mixed-use building, which includes apartments attached to the dealership.
Montgomery County Dispatch initially reported that the fire began in a vehicle before spreading to the building. NBC10 reported that one apartment resident was taken to a nearby hospital with burns, while KYW reported that other people were treated at the scene. CBS Philadelphia initially reported that two people were hospitalized, although details on their conditions were not immediately available.
The fire was brought under control at approximately 7:15 p.m., after burning for nearly two hours, according to Montgomery County Dispatch. A boat and an SUV inside the dealership were reported to have sustained significant damage.
DeKalb Street was closed during the emergency response as firefighters worked to contain the blaze. The fire marshal is investigating the cause.
PA Imports Auto Sales is an independent pre-owned dealership offering used cars, trucks and SUVs, along with financing and other automotive services. The dealership's website lists the Bridgeport location and shows an active used-vehicle inventory.
The extent of the dealership's structural and inventory losses, as well as whether the business will remain operational at the location, had not been announced as of Tuesday.
