Multi-alarm fire damages businesses in Lower Merion

LOWER MERION TWP., Pa. (WPVI) -- Firefighters were called to the scene of a 4-alarm building fire in Lower Merion Township.

The blaze broke out just before 5:00 a.m. Wednesday in the 900 block of Montgomery Avenue, right along the Narberth-Penn Valley line.

Images from the Action Cam shown on Action News showed flames coming from a building housing two businesses, including Fast Signs.

Fire officials say efforts to fight the fire were complicated by downed power lines in the rear of the building.

Lower Merion Township Fire Chief Chas McGarvey told Action News crews first tried to fight the fire from inside the building.

The situation quickly deteriorated, however, forcing crews outside.

Also complicating the situation was a water main break at nearby Grayling Avenue, which affected hydrants in the area.

The blaze was finally put under control about an hour and a half later.

No injuries were reported however two of the stores sustained extensive damage.

Investigators believe an electrical issue inside one of the stores caused the fire.

Montgomery Avenue was shut down between Old Gulph Road and Iona Avenue but has since reopened.