This story will updated throughout the response.
Last update: May 16, 2026 9:39 a.m.
In coordination with local community partners, the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Region is providing emergency support for individuals and families impacted by a home fire that occurred Wednesday afternoon, May 13, on the 900 block of W. Airy Street in Norristown.
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Overnight Friday, the Red Cross shelter, located at the Senior Adult Activity Center of Montgomery County (SAAC) in Norristown, supported two people who were impacted by the May 13th home fire.
At the shelter, Red Cross volunteers are working with community partners to provide a safe place to sleep, meals and snacks, access to showers, clothing, comfort and care items and emotional support.
The shelter will remain open today as the Red Cross continues to work with our partners to determine next steps for those in our care.
About the Incident
The Times Herald reports that the two-alarm fire broke out around 12:45 p.m. Wednesday after a tree fell onto power lines, sparking flames that spread to several homes along W. Airy Street, displacing more than two dozen people.
About the Response
Soon after the fire was extinguished, the Red Cross worked with the Norristown Fire Department to open a reception center at ACLAMO on W. Marshall Street. After a few hours, the reception center was reloacted to Blockson Middle School. Three residents stayed at the shelter overnight Wednesday.
To accommodate the school day, the Montgomery County Medical Reserve Corps transported residents to the Senior Adult Activity Center (SAAC) of Montgomery County in Norristown Thursday morning.
The SAAC served as a reception center throughout the day Thursday, then transitioned into an overnight shelter, which supported 3 people. Overnight Friday, the shelter supported two people.
At the shelter, Red Cross volunteers are working with community partners to provide a safe place to sleep, meals and snacks, access to showers, clothing, comfort and care items and emotional support.
Community Partners
The Red Cross is grateful to our county, municipality and community partners for mobilizing resources to help impacted residents. Partners include:
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