On January 2 just before 11:30p.m. Engine 1 & Rescue 1 were dispatched to assist Reading City on the 2nd alarm for 1240 Chestnut St, structure fire with entrapment. The first arriving city units had heavy fire venting from the 1st floor with extension to the 2nd floor & reports of people still inside. Lines were quickly pulled to knock down the fire around the entrance where Tower 1 had seen an individual. As they pushed the fire back that individual was found & determined to be deceased. As the rest of the fire was extinguished a second victim was found deceased in the 1st floor front room. Crews performed extensive overhaul to ensure the fire was out. This fire remains under investigation by the City Fire Marshal, Reading City Police and the State Police Fire Marshal. Mt. Penn units were able to clear just before 2:00a.m.
