Investigation Continues Into Montgomery Twp. Fire At Senior Community

MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP, PA — Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the fire that destroyed the clubhouse at a senior living community in Montgomery Township early Wednesday.

The Montgomery Township Fire Marshal's Office is leading the investigation into the fire at the Village of Neshaminy Falls, located on Stump Road. No clues as to a potential cause was immediately apparent as crews extinguished the blaze.

The fire destroyed the clubhouse and sent shockwaves through the 55 and over community of hundreds. The clubhouse was described by residents as a vital center for social life, and was also used for a wide variety of other important functions, such as open houses by state lawmakers and even as a polling place.

The fire was battled for hours in the dark by crews from around the region. Thanks to swift work by first responders, residents who were closest to the fire were evacuated and no one was injured. No one was inside the clubhouse at the time of the blaze, officials said.

"This represents a big loss for the Neshaminy Falls community," State Sen. Maria Collett said later Wednesday. "I’ll continue to work with the Neshaminy Falls community to ensure we alleviate the impact of this loss on our community as efficiently as possible."

Fires have wreaked havoc on Montgomery County and the surrounding area in recent days. Another major blaze destroyed six homes in Royersford on Wednesday night. Some fire companies in the county handled as many as 11 calls Wednesday, with high winds cited as one potential reason.

Resources for residents impacted by the fire remain available at State Rep. Melissa Cerrato's mobile office at the Community and Recreation Center across the street from the Village.