House fire leaves 2 people dead and several firefighters injured in Robeson Twp.

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Monday, April 28, 2025
House fire leaves 2 dead and several firefighters hurt in Robeson Twp.
Two people are dead after a fire early Monday morning in Berks County. Four others, including three firefighters, were rushed to the hospital.

ROBESON TWP., Pa. (WPVI) -- Two people are dead after a fire early Monday morning in Berks County. Four others, including three firefighters, were rushed to the hospital.

Authorities say the fire was reported around 6:30 a.m. at a home in the 700 block of White Bear Road in Robeson Township.

Firefighters rescued one person inside, but two others did not make it out alive.

Brian Osisek, who lives across the street, says he woke up to the flames and commotion.

"At that point, we didn't know if anyone was hurt. Then the details started to come in, later in the day," said Osisek. "It was very unsettling because we know the family."

At least two deaths are being blamed on a fire Monday in Berks County. Four others, including three firefighters, were rushed to the hospital.
At least two deaths are being blamed on a fire Monday in Berks County. Four others, including three firefighters, were rushed to the hospital.

Robeson Police Officer Justin Schlottmann says it was a dramatic response from multiple fire companies.

The fire crews, made up of mostly volunteers, had to bring in water tankers to help control the flames.

"The Geigertown Fire Chief arrived on location, confirming the house was on fire and then requested a second alarm immediately for additional resources," said Officer Schlottman.

Throughout the day, neighbors came from miles away to see the damage and pay respects to the victims.

"This is very personal to me because I live just a mile or two up the road," said State Rep. Mark Gillen.

This is now the second fatal fire in the township in less than a month.

"There's been an awful lot of fires going on around here and it's just insane," said Angelique Detwiler of Birdsboro.

The victims have not yet been identified.

Three firefighters were injured and taken to the hospital, according to officials. Several other firefighters suffered minor injuries and were treated at the scene.

The firefighters who were taken to the hospital are expected to be released soon.

Officials say the home did have at least one working smoke detector.

The state fire marshal's office is investigating what sparked the fire, but believe it started outside the home.

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