Penndel police officer saves residents from burning house

A Bucks County police officer jumped into action early Dec. 11 to help more than a half-dozen people escape a raging house fire in Penndel Borough.

Just before 5 a.m., Penndel police Officer Sean Peck spotted a house fire near the police department along Woodland Avenue and ran inside to help, police wrote in a post on social media.

“His swift and courageous efforts led to the successful evacuation of eight individuals,” police said.

By the time all residents were out and firefighters were on scene, none were able to enter the three-story structure because the fire was fully involved by that point, according to Penndel Deputy Fire Chief Sam Simon.

Members of multiple Bucks County fire companies traveled to the scene to help combat the flames.

“We noticed hoarding conditions on arrival,” said Simon, adding that this, along with low temperatures, icy conditions and wind, made fire suppression efforts more challenging.

“The fire got in the walls and it basically came running from the basement all the way up to the attic.”

Penndel Police Chief Sean Perry commended Peck for his actions on social media, saying “his immediate response prevented what could have been a tragic loss of life.”

Members of the department also offered “heartfelt sympathy to the residents affected by the fire.”

“While all occupants were safely evacuated, the department recognizes the hardship and trauma associated with losing one’s home,” they said. “The police department, in coordination with fire services and emergency management partners, will continue to support the displaced families during this difficult time.”

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. It’s unclear whether there were working smoke detectors in the home at the time of the fire.