Underground Fire Closes Stores At Shopping Center In Wynnewood

LOWER MERION, PA — A powerful underground fire pushed high levels of carbon monoxide into a Wynnewood shopping center overnight, caused power outages and kept several stores closed Wednesday, officials said.

The fire, reported at 10:51 p.m. Tuesday, brought heavy flames and smoke to the rear of Wynnewood Square — a strip mall on East Lancaster Avenue, anchored by Target.

It started near a fence separating the rears of Wynnewood Square and an apartment complex on Lakeside Road.

Firefighters battled the blaze and made sure all stores — including Target, which was scheduled to be open until 11 p.m. — were evacuated while checking for smoke.

The smoke and fire were controlled in four hours, according to the Merion Fire Company of Ardmore.

No injuries or damage to buildings were reported. But a portion of the fence was damaged.

High levels of carbon monoxide were found in several stores, officials said. Specific businesses weren't specified.

Several businesses at Wynnewood Square lost power and were closed late Wednesday morning, including honeygrow and Panera.

Supercuts had employees inside, but the store was closed and had no power.

FedEx was open with limited services, but an employee said the store regained power late in the morning. Target is open, but the Starbucks was closed in the morning.

Five Below and Petco were also open.

If you plan to go to any Wynnewood Square businesses, Patch recommends calling beforehand because the situation is evolving.

Firefighters turned over the scene to PECO and the Lower Merion Fire Department's Fire Marshal's Office.

Workers at the scene Wednesday morning were preparing to dig a hole to examine an underground wire that may have caused the fire. But an official cause has not been released as of this writing.