Off Duty Firefighter Dies In Delco Fire That Hurt Others, Displaced Dozens

UPPER DARBY, PA — An apartment fire in Delaware County killed one person who happened to be a firefighter and displaced many over the weekend, according to emergency responders.

Killed in the fire was longtime Lansdowne Fire Company member Tony Rowley, 58.

Upper Darby Township Fire Department was called to an apartment fire with entrapment at 3200 Township Line Road in Upper Darby Township at about 10:30 a.m. Saturday.

Crews found a working fire on the second floor of a three-story apartment building and began attacking the blaze.

As crews battled the fire, two severely injured civilians were rescued from the building by Upper Darby firefighters and were taken for treatment, the fire department said. One Upper Darby firefighter suffered burn injuries during the recuse and was transported for treatment. That firefighter has since been released and is recovering.

Firefighters from several departments were also able to rescue many victims via portable and aerial ladders.

One person, later identified as Rowley, died from their injuries after being taken to an area hospital, however, the fire department said.

According to the Lansdowne Fire Company, Rowley was recently dealing with medical issues and was at his apartment when he suffered fatal injuries during the fire. His wife also suffered severe injuries and is hospitalized, the fire company said.

Six others suffered non-life threatening injuries.

The fire was significant but was contained to an apartment on the second floor.

There was significant damage to other apartments on the second and third floor from heat and smoke, and to the first floor from water.

About 75 people lived in the building, all of whom are now displaced, the fire department said. Delaware County Emergency Services, the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and other support groups have been providing assistance to the affected residents.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by Upper Darby Fire Department Fire Marshals, the Upper Darby Police Department, and Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshals.