Devastating Norristown Fire Leaves 40 Residents Homeless

NORRISTOWN, PA — A fire destroyed or damaged at least 10 homes and displaced about 40 people in Norristown late Wednesday just before Thanksgiving.

The blaze began in a home on the 700 block of West Lafayette Street. No one was seriously injured.

The cause of the fire is not yet clear and remains under investigation.

"Our community proves to be strongest when we work together to help our neighbors, and this case is no exception," Municipal Council President Tom Lepera said in a statement. "On behalf of all of council, I would like to thank everyone who has provided safety and comfort to those displaced families."

While firefighters were able to contain the blaze and prevent further damage, dozens were left without a home just before the holiday.

The Ebenezer Foundation is working to raise $1,000 for each family, hopefully before Christmas. Montgomery County's Department of Emergency Services said the foundation was the best place for the public to donate.

“The people in our community still desperately need our help after their lives were changed forever by this fire," the Foundation said in a statement. "To help us all remember that the losses caused by the fire remain, we have partnered up to bring them some smiles and hand up this holiday season”

All families impacted are currently living in a shelter provided by the American Red Cross.

American Red Cross, Ebenezer Methodist Church, Norristown Area School District, and SEPTA have all worked together to help provide for the families, officials said.

To donate, see here, or mail a check to Ebenezer Foundation, 34 E. Germantown Pike, #201, Norristown, PA 19401.