More than 150 Pennsylvania firefighters battled a huge blaze at a five-story retirement community that was under construction Sunday.
Flames and thick smoke could be seen coming from the upper floors and side of the building as firefighters arrived at about 3:30 p.m. in Tredyffrin Township in Chester County, WPVI-TV reports. Fire officials told the TV station that they believe the blaze spread after starting in the basement.
Residents of the senior living facility, Echo Lake, were scheduled to move in next month, and only a third of the building had been finished. This construction—as well as a partial collapse on the first floor—created issues for firefighters when it came to putting out the blaze.
"No stairways. Floors with holes in them. A lot of construction debris. That and the wind conditions have made this very difficult," Paoli Fire Chief Andrea Testa told WPVI.
No injuries were reported, and the fire is still under investigation.
