Skippack Fire ‘A Knock Down, Not a Knock Out,’ Business Owner Says

As businesses throughout Skippack Village were preparing for the inaugural First Friday of the spring, causing three businesses to close.

Jean Curtis, the owner of Merle Norman, was unaware that a mulch fire behind 4007 Skippack Pike had spread to the building, quickly turning into an attic fire.

“The slope of the tin roof is only four feet from the ground; the flames shot right up and entered the attic and burned the entire thing,” Curtis said.

Smoke and water damage extended to Hodge Podge and Head Over Heels, which have also closed.

“Right now, it’s in the hands of the insurance company and the landlord,” Curtis said.

According to business owners, landlord David Markel said he would make it a priority to rebuild.

“We are waiting to talk to the insurance adjuster and see what he says,” Elizabeth Hirschmann, owner of Head Over Heels, said on Patch. “Our biggest issue is the building repair—unfortunately I think it is more substantial than it appears from the outside, although [Markel] has already been gracious and encouraging.

“No doubt his crew will make it even more beautiful,” Hirschmann said.

Until the buildings are rebuilt, Curtis is working to fill her customer’s orders by mail until she sets up a temporary shop. She asks that customers call 610-45703384 with any orders.

“We ask for people to be patient, we don’t want our customers to go away,” Curtis sais. “This was a knock down, but not a knock out.”

“I want to thank everybody for being so lovely and gracious about the trauma, trying to offer encouragement and support,” said Curtis, who also thanked the emergency service companies who responded at the scene.  “Stay tuned, I’ll be back!”