READING, Pa. (Wednesday, Sept. 3) — Exeter Township Volunteer Fire Department crews assisted city firefighters early Wednesday at a multi-alarm blaze that tore through the Swan Court Apartments on North 5th Street.

The fire was reported just after 1 a.m. Heavy flames spread through the third and fourth floors and extended through the roof, prompting a second and later third alarm. Reports of people trapped on the fourth floor were received as crews worked the fire.

Exeter firefighters were initially dispatched as a rapid intervention team but were reassigned to multiple fireground tasks upon arrival. Members stretched supply lines, hooked into standpipes, advanced hoselines, attacked fire and assisted with overhaul.

Rescue-Engine 25 supplied Ladder 18 with water, laying a five-inch line from a secondary system. Exeter units remained on scene until just before 7 a.m.