City of Reading Fire Updates and Safety Reminder

From City of Reading Department of Fire & Rescue Services

Photo courtesy of Jakub Żerdzicki on Unsplash

The City of Reading Department of Fire & Rescue Services is providing updates on recent fires and ongoing investigations, highlighting the importance of fire safety and prevention.

20 Angelica St.

On Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025, firefighters responded to a fire at 20 Angelica St. involving a stand-alone storage building. The fire started from candles placed too close to combustible materials. Tragically, the fire caused a fatality. Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones affected. This incident shows why fire safety precautions are so important.

600 S. 9th St.

The Department also responded to multiple fires at 600 S. 9th St.:

Oct. 31, 2023: Fire in the stairwell spread to the roof. Firefighters had it under control in 30 minutes. The investigation determined it was intentionally set. Unidentified chemicals were found, leading to cleanup by the EPA and contractors.
Nov. 2, 2023: Fire reported on the top floor. Interior suppression efforts were stopped for safety. The investigation again determined it was intentionally set.

These two fires are connected. The building was already under Fire Code enforcement for inoperative sprinklers and fire alarms. Occupants continued to operate the building without fixing violations. If sprinklers and fire alarms were working, the fires would have been controlled more quickly. These fires put both the community and firefighters at risk.

Ongoing investigation

The Office of Fire Marshal, Reading Police Department – Criminal Investigations Division, and ATF are investigating. Anyone with information is urged to come forward. A monetary reward may be offered leading to an arrest.

Fire safety reminder

Buildings with non-working sprinkler systems are especially dangerous. Past fires in Reading include:

702 N. 8th St. (2014) – Multiple-alarm fire, $10M+ damage
213 S. 11th St. (2017) – Fire set intentionally, building demolished
500 N. 3rd St. (2017) – Multiple fires, partially demolished
210 Maple St. (2021) – Fires set intentionally, later demolished
600 S. 9th St. (2017 and 2023) – Multiple fires

Fire Codes protect people and firefighters. Sprinklers operate in 92% of fires and are 97% effective in controlling them (NFPA). The City encourages property owners to maintain alarms and sprinklers and address fire hazards. The Department encourages all property owners to ensure that fire protection systems are maintained, fire hazards are addressed promptly, and the community remains vigilant. These proactive steps help keep Reading safe and resilient.