Elkins Park Fire House Hostage Situation: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know

A group of firefighters are being held hostage in the basement of a Pennsylvania fire house. The station is located in Elkins Park, 13 miles north of Philadelphia. Just before noon on March 31, the suspect was arrested.

Here’s what you need to know:


1. A Swat team were called to the scene, reports ABC Philadelphia. Police first responded to the station at 10:55 a.m. It was initially reported that three firefighters were being held, CBS Philadelphia later reported that the number was between “three to five.” The station also reported that one of those hostages was released prior to the suspect being arrested.


2. The fire house in question is the La Mott company which is part of the Cheltenham Township battalion.


3. So far, the fire chief has only confirmed to the media that there is an armed man inside the fire house. My Fox Philly reports that the suspect is a former firefighter.


4. The public were advised to avoid the area while the situation goes on. The fire house located at 7600 Penrose Avenue in Elkins Park.


5. The La Mott fire company is classified as a non-profit charity that has been in operation for nine years. According to the Cheltenham Township Fire Department website, the department is all-volunteer. The site adds, “Approximately 175 volunteer firefighters serve the township 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.” In being volunteer, the department brags that it saves the township “substantial tax savings.”