Montco firefighters save couple's wedding day as flames rip through Normandy Farm Hotel
BLUE BELL, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- A fire destroyed a guest house on the property of the historic Normandy Farm Hotel in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania on Thursday night, but firefighters were able to save a couple's wedding day.
The call came in around 8 p.m. for a fire reported in the carriage house located on the 1400 block of Morris Road in Blue Bell.
From the view of Chopper 6, you could see firefighters attacking the flames at all angles as smoke billowed from the roof of the structure.
Unfortunately, Normandy Farm owner Bud Hansen says the historic nine-room building is probably a total loss.
"That building dates back to the 1800s. It was the original carriage house for when this was just an inn," said Hansen.
But he says the guest house at his hotel resort and conference center can be replaced in time. What can't was what was inside.
Inside the building sat Caitlin Kerezsi's belongings, including her wedding dress for Friday.
Kerezsi was eating at the restaurant across the street when the blaze broke out.
"We saw smoke and I started running," Kerezsi said.
After canceling her wedding once - originally set for March of last year - she feared the fire was going to cancel things all over again.
"I'm thinking this isn't real life and this can't be happening again. But my mom is here and dad just showed up and they supported me through everything," said Kerezsi.
But firefighters were able to save her wedding dress and everything else.
"The dresses were in there and the firefighters did an incredible job. They got everything out. Got the dresses out, my brother-in-law's suit, luggage, money for tomorrow, they got it all out," said Kerezsi.
Hanson says the wedding is on for Friday despite what he's calling a minor setback.
"If they had lost their dresses it would have been a real disaster," Hansen added.
Kerezsi says she thinks her marriage is "destined for greatness."
"If we can get through COVID and we can get through a fire, I think we can get through just about anything," the bride-to-be said. "To all my wedding guests: come ready to party 'cause I am ready!"
Authorities are still working to determine what sparked the fire. There were no injuries reported.
Normandy Farm says it is open for business and normal operations will continue, including the wedding.
