PHOTO BY DAN DOYLE
by Dan Doyle | September 17, 2025
BRISTOL TOWNSHIP, PA — A three-alarm fire tore through the J Building of the Levittown Trace Apartments early Wednesday morning, leaving significant damage and forcing dozens of residents from their homes.
The blaze was reported shortly before 6 a.m. in the 3000 block of Ford Road. Crews arrived to find heavy flames and smoke on the second and third floors, with part of the roof eventually collapsing under the fire’s intensity. Firefighters from multiple departments from as far away as Falls Township were called in to bring the situation under control.
At least two firefighters and one resident were injured. Officials said one firefighter was hurt when a section of the building partially collapsed, while another was treated for smoke inhalation. A resident suffered an arm injury after jumping from a second-floor window to escape. All are expected to recover.
Authorities estimate that around 12 units sustained damage, displacing approximately 30 residents. Emergency responders and the Red Cross are providing temporary assistance to those affected.
Ford Road was closed between Route 413 and Pearl Buck Road as crews secured the scene and investigate the cause of the fire. Local officials also noted that the closure has disrupted school bus routes in the area. The SEPTA bus route 129 was unaffected.
The fire was declared under control later in the morning, but investigators continue to work to determine what sparked the incident.