Just after 4:30pm today April 14, 2025, Station 53 (Lower Providence Fire Department) Squad 46 (Jeffersonville Fire Company) Squad 68 (Upper Providence Fire and Emergency Services), Engine 27 (Norristown Fire Department) Engine 68-1 (Upper Providence Fire and Emergency Services) Chester Engine 68-1 (Valley Forge Fire Company) and Chester Ladder 65 (Phoenixville Fire Department) were dispatched to the Audubon Village Shopping Center in the Audubon Section of Lower Providence Township, Montgomery County, PA for a report of a Commercial Structure Fire.

The caller from a local restaurant reported smoke in the rear of the restaurant that they believe is coming from somewhere else is entering their fume hood. They also reported flickering lights in the back of the restaurant.

Lower Providence Police arrived and found smoke coming from the rain gutter in the rear of the building. Assistant Chief 46 from Jeffersonville Fire Company arrived and confirmed black smoke from the roof in the rear of the building. Based on this information the Working Fire Dispatch was transmitted, and the building was evacuated. Additional resources from Station 322 (Lower Providence EMS), Station 83 (Worcester Fire Department) and Station 61 (Norriton Fire Company) were dispatched to assist.

Battalion Chief 53 arrived and established Egypt Road Command.

Upon arrival, firefighters deployed a supply line from a nearby fire hydrant, stretched a hose line, and deployed ladders on the building. The fire was quickly contained to the outside of the structure. Upon further investigation it was found that there was still a fire burning in the underground electrical lines. PECO arrived and secured the power to the affected area. This caused power to be cut to 75% of the shopping center. The Giant Food Market, Bank, and Applebee’s have their own independent service feed and are not affected.

There were no injuries reported, minor exterior surface damage to one business occurred, but no significant damage was reported. PECO and the Property Management Company are working to fix the damaged underground service promptly to restore power.

The Lower Providence Fire Marshal Office is handling the investigation and notification of all proper authorities.

The Lower Providence Fire Department thanks the public for their cooperation and commends all responding units for their rapid and professional response. Any questions for concerns about this incident can be directed to the Lower Providence Fire Marshal Office or the Lower Providence Fire Department Compliance Office [email protected]