Fire that displaced 55 probed

Fire and police investigators are trying to figure out what touched off a multi-alarm fire at a Chester apartment complex that damaged 25 units and left 55 people homeless.

No serious injuries were reported in the blaze that started on the top floor the three-story in the Wallingford Apartments complex in the 2700 block of Madison Street at the north end of the Delaware County city.

The fastmoving blaze was reported about 12:30 a.m. and declared under control at 1:23 a.m., said Batallion Chief Charles Hopkins. He said firefighters remained at the scene until 4:30 a.m.

Hopkins said firefighters returned later to do "some mopping up and cleaning up of some hot spots.

He added that Chester police and the fire marshal's office were investigating, but as of this afternoon, "we don't think it's suspicious."

The Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania said it supplied the victims with money for food, clothing, shoes, and winter coats.

The agency also said it would provide lodging for four families who didn't have a place to go.

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