February 7, 2026 ~ The initial dispatch came in at 1:32 am for a report of a garage on fire on the 300 block of Mulberry Drive, Limerick Township. Limerick Police arrived within two minutes and reported that the garage was becoming fully engulfed. Captain 51-1, who lived just down the street, arrived at the scene four minutes after dispatch and immediately assumed Mulberry Drive command, reporting a two-story family-style dwelling with heavy fire coming from the garage. Police initially reported a possible entrapment; however, just a minute later, the residents and five of their six dogs were confirmed to be safe.

Units from Limerick 51, Trappe 77, Royersford 98, Perkiomen 66, Sanatoga 58, and Upper Providence 68A responded on the initial. Engine 51 and Ladder 51 were the first due engine and truck companies. Engine 51 immediately laid in on a hydrant on the B side of the residence, established a positive water supply, made a quick knock on the fire from the exterior, and then made entry into the residence. Ladder 51 crews threw ladders and conducted a primary search. A firefighter on Engine 51 located and safely removed the sixth and final dog from the house. At the ten-minute mark, command reported to County that they had water on the fire.

About 20 minutes in, Command requested a RIT (Rapid Intervention Team) crew and a standby crew at the Limerick station after heavy fire had quickly extended to the second floor of the house. Primary search was completed on the first and second floors, with all persons and pets accounted for. Three lines were in service. Collegeville Squad 34 was assigned as a standby to the Limerick Station and remained there until all units were released. Skippack 86 and Lower Providence 53 responded as RIT.

At 2:01 am, Command ordered a tactical evacuation of the house due to heavy fire on the second floor, compromising the roof and the structure's integrity. After it was believed that all crews had exited the building, a PAR (Personnel Accountability Report) check was initiated. All firefighters were accounted for. County gave Command the 30-minute mark at 2:07 am. Command reported that the fire attack moved to exterior operations due to fire throughout the building. PA American Water was notified because crews were working with a water source from three hydrants. Ladder 51 extended its tip and provided a master stream from above while three lines remained in service on the ground.

After knocking out most of the fire, Sanatoga crews were able to go interior to the second floor to hit the hotspots that Ladder 51 could not reach. PECO arrived and secured all utilities. A crew from Trappe checked for extension at the residence to the right of the house of origin. Public works was contacted to provide salt for the ground, and the Red Cross was also contacted. The fire was brought under control at 2:47 am. RFIT began the investigation as soon as they arrived, and units on scene were slowly released. All were made available at 4:40 am. Limerick crews headed back to the stations, held a crew debriefing, and feasted on donuts and coffee while they cleaned and washed equipment and tools.

The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.

Overnight House Fire on Mulberry Dr, Limerick - Florian Fire Photography