Cause of Victory Brewing taproom fire in Kennett Square under investigation

A fire engulfed the apartment building that houses Victory Brewery Company's taproom in Kennett Square on Monday night, prompting dozens of fire companies to respond and displacing residents. 

Fire authorities are investigating the cause of the blaze, which began around 6:30 p.m. on the 600 block of West Cypress Street, according to the Kennett Square Fire Department. 

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Firefighters found smoke spilling from the first floor of the four-story, 33-unit building. The building was searched and evacuated. No injuries were reported.

Fire crews were forced to evacuate the building after smelling a natural gas odor. PECO was called to the scene to address an exposed gas line near the fire. 

First responders cleared the scene by 2 a.m Tuesday. At one point, 59 fire crews and speciality units from across the region were on the scene.

Investigators told the Daily Local that a gas leak from the utility line that runs into the "tank" area of the brewery sparked the fire. The gas collected inside the room before leading to two explosions. The first blew the windows out. The second explosion came from one of the tanks. 

The taproom was closed Monday, so no customers or staff were in the building at the time of the fire, Victory Brewing wrote on its Facebook page. 

Victory Brewing staff were at the site Monday working the American Red Cross and first responder to gather more information about the cause. The company also was seeking to help the building residents who were displaced by the fire.

"We are praying for the safety of those involved and want to thank the first responders who quickly arrived on site, safely aided in the evacuation of the building and are working to control the fire," the company wrote.

The American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania said all displaced members had a place to stay Monday night, PennLive reported. It was not immediately known how many people were displaced. 

The taproom, which resumed indoor service earlier this month, is one of three that Victory Brewing operates in Chester County. The others are located at the company's Downingtown headquarters and in Parkesburg. 

Victory Brewing is planning to open an additional taproom in Philly along the Ben Franklin Parkway this year.