Fire Captain Injured In Croydon Arson Fire

BRISTOL TOWNSHIP, PA —A captain from the Croydon Fire Company was injured during an early Sunday morning fire that authorities have determined to be arson.

The captain, who was not named, was in the attic battling the fire when the attic floor suddenly collapsed causing him to fall to the concrete floor below, Fire Marshal Kevin Dippolito said.

Dippolito said fire crews were dispatched to the Bucks County Carpet Outlet on 801 Cedar Ave. at 2:27 a.m. Sunday.

He said the fire was set up against the building, and extended up the exterior wall and into the attic space.

Two apartments on the 2nd floor of the attached building were occupied and had to be evacuated, Dippolito said. He said that both apartments had minor smoke damage.

Dippolito said he's reviewing security video from businesses and homes in the vicinity of State Road and Cedar Avenue.

The captain was transported to Jefferson Torresdale by Bensalem EMS and was treated and released.

Bristol Township detectives are assisting with the investigation.

The Croydon Fire Company was assisted by the Bristol Consolidated Fire Company and the Third District Volunteer Fire Company.

The Third District Volunteer Fire Company said that Engine 14 took a second hydrant while their crew helped get numerous hand lines in operation.

Tower 14 took the State Rd. side of the building positioning the truck to be able to work two sides of the building. Their crew threw ground ladders, performed search and rescue in the second-floor apartments, and performed roof ventilation.

"We pray that the firefighter who was injured has a speedy recovery," the Bristol Consolidated Fire Company said in a Facebook post.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Fire Marshal Kevin Dippolito at 267-812-2907.

(Photo Courtesy of the Third District Volunteer Fire Company)