Dozens displaced after fire in Folcroft; neighbor called hero for life-saving efforts

Devastating fire in Delco displaces dozens of residents

Dozens of residents have been displaced after a fire broke out in Delaware County's Folcroft neighborhood Sunday.

FOLCROFT, Pa. - Fire companies worked to put out a fire in Delaware County late Sunday afternoon that displaced dozens of residents.

The fire occurred on the 1100 block of Taylor Drive in Folcroft around 3:20 p.m.

Multiple families and row homes were impacted.

The fire reached three alarms and about 125 firefighters were at the scene.

According to Prospect Park Fire Company's chief, at least ten homes have been impacted and dozens of people are displaced.

Of the ten homes impacted, seven are uninhabitable and the families of the remaining three will be able to access their homes Sunday night.

Everyone was able to evacuate safely and that was in part thanks to a swift-acting neighbor.

Chezney Burnett saw sparks coming from the back of her neighbor's deck. She did everything she could to get him and his four children out of a dangerous situation.

"I just started banging like the Police. I didn't know he was sleeping, I just started banging!" said Chezney Burnett, Folcroft.

"All I heard was banging on the door and the neighbor was like get out of the house, there’s a fire!" recalled Rob Rudisill, Folcroft.

The Rudisill family calls Chezney a hero and they’re just thankful she and her four-month-old twins got out safely as well.

"It’s a blessing that they’re here and that someone knocked on the door so God is good!" said Wanita Rudisill, grandmother.

"I’m just grateful it wasn’t at nighttime and we weren’t all asleep and we are all safe, and we all got out. I mean we lost everything but it’s all replaceable," said Burnett.

The Folcroft Fire Chief says even though firefighters arrived within minutes, the decks behind seven homes were fully engulfed, leaving dozens of people, and some of their pets, without a home.

"Sad, sad for the families, they’re the ones," said Chief Angelo Zangare, Folcroft Fire Department.

Neighbors are also coming together and helping by gathering donations for items like clothes, diapers, formula and so many other things these families will need to get through this difficult time.

A GoFundMe was created for those who would like to help.