Delco house fire kills well-known caterers
An early-morning house fire Saturday claimed the lives of a Delaware County couple who owned a popular hoagie shop and catering operation, according to a local fire official.
An early-morning house fire Saturday claimed the lives of a Delaware County couple who owned a popular hoagie shop and catering operation, according to a local fire official.
The victims are Theodore and Barbara Fine, both 58, whose 620 Cedar Lane home in Morton was reported ablaze by a neighbor at 4:53 a.m. Saturday, said Chief Dean Kemp of the Morton-Rutledge Fire Company.
Kemp said it was believed the fire was accidental, caused by a propane-fueled smoker on the back deck of their home. The smoker was being used to prepare meats for a holiday weekend celebration for family and friends, he said.
Police responding to the scene kicked in the front door but were driven back by intense heat, Kemp said. Fire personnel found the couple overcome and collapsed by the entrance of their home, Kemp said.
Lifesaving measures were attempted at the scene.
The Fines were well-known in Delaware County.
"They were one of the pillars of the community," Kemp said.
They owned Slack's Hoagie & Pizza Shack and catering service on Baltimore Pike in Springfield Township. Comfort food like their upside-down pizza and sandwiches like the Wild Thing burger and the Godfather hoagie drew customer raves in online reviews.
In addition, they were known for their support of institutions like police, fire, and emergency services.
They were people "you could turn to at any time of need," Kemp said.
They were often called on to cater community events such as the American Legion's Loyalty Day to honor public servants, police, and firefighters, Springfield Police Chief Joe Daly said.
Theodore Fine would staff events himself, and there would always be free extras.
"They were always giving more than you ordered," Daly said.
Their sandwich shop, meanwhile, was popular with officers on dinner breaks.
On Barbara Fine's Facebook page, there were congratulations for the couple's 35th anniversary and mention of a trip to Cancun.
Kemp said the couple had grown children.
The fire was brought under control by about 5:30 a.m., he said. Grief counseling was offered to responders and people who knew the couple at Morton Borough Hall, the chief said.
A few firefighters received minor injuries and were treated at the scene. One was treated at Springfield Hospital for burns and was released.
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