North Heidelberg Township fire destroys home, causes more than $400,000 in damage

September 25, 2026 - 06:36 PM - Berks Weekly

A fire that destroyed a home in North Heidelberg Township early Friday morning caused more than $400,000 in damage, according to Pennsylvania State Police.

Berks County 911 dispatched the Bernville Fire Company and neighboring mutual aid departments around 12:58 a.m. Sept. 25 to a reported house fire at 8 Gernert Lane.

A neighbor initially reported seeing the house on fire. The Bernville Fire Company chief arrived to find a single-story, elevated ranch-style home burning, police said.

The response was upgraded to bring in additional resources from western Berks County and Lebanon County. The fire spread throughout the living area of the home and through the roof before firefighters brought it under control in just over an hour.

Crews remained at the scene for about three hours conducting overhaul operations and extinguishing hot spots.

The Pennsylvania State Police Troop L Fire Marshal Unit is investigating the fire. Investigators determined the fire originated around a sedan parked in the driveway before spreading from the vehicle to the house.

The exact cause remains undetermined, but the state police fire marshal determined that no criminal activity was involved.

No civilians or firefighters were injured.

The home was considered a total loss, with damage estimated at more than $400,000.