Firefighters performed a quick and effective knockdown in a two-story residence after an early morning room and contents fire was reported in the 1200 block of Old Bernville Road in Bern Township.

Bern Township Police arrived first and assisted the resident in evacuating the structure and also shut off the valve to a propane tank located next to the house.

The resident successfully escaped the flames un-injured and was evaluated at the scene by EMS personnel.

The fire destroyed the first floor living room and exterior wall above the fire room. The majority of the structure and resident's belongings were spared from fire damage.

Damage to the structure and contents is estimated at $50,000.

Our thanks to Mount Pleasant, Leesport, Spring Township, Bernville and West Reading Fire Companies, Western Berks Fire Police and Western Berks EMS for all your help at the incident.