LUZERNE COUNTY, PA – At 7:23 AM on Monday, May 12, Luzerne County 9-1-1 dispatched White Haven Fire, Freeland Fire, Dennison Twp. Fire, White Haven BLS and APTS Medic 11 to 215 Towanda Street in White Haven for a reported house on fire.
Initial responding units were advised of an updated address of 223 Towanda and the fire was spreading to the neighboring home. Firefighters arrived to find heavy fire from multiple sides of 223 Towanda and it was quickly spreading to the “D” side exposure. A second alarm was quickly struck.
The second alarm brought in Valley Regional, Foster Township, Hazle Township and Weatherly fire companies as well as Freeland EMS.
Both of White Haven’s Engines took the front of the buildings and secured a water supply. Engine 62 had a long lay due to a bad hydrant. Dennison Township pumped the hydrant due to the lay. Freeland’s Ladder positioned next to Engine 63 and threw multiple ground ladders while heavy lines began to knock down the exterior fire.
A crew went to the roof of the original fire building to cut multiple vent holes. Multiple lines were stretched into both structures that were heavily involved in fire. Firefighters in the exposure building had to fight with large amounts of debris throughout the house.
A third alarm was requested into the scene bringing Wright Township, Fairview Township, West Hazleton, Tobyhanna Township and Kidder Township fire companies. Hanover Township was also requested as an additional Rapid Intervention Team.
While working the scene, a second call came in for a reported house on fire on Barry’s Lane in White Haven. Kidder Township Squad 18 and Foster Township Engine responded to the call. They arrived on scene and found a working kitchen fire. The fire was quickly knocked down and the scene was brought under control.
Back at the original scene, the original fire building was brought under control around 9:00 AM. However, crews were having a hard time bringing the fire in the exposure building under control. A second crew was sent to the roof to cut additional ventilation holes. With the additional holes, the fire was able to be brought under control. The bulk of the fire was finally knocked down by 10:00 AM.
A State Police Fire Marshal was requested to the scene to assist with the investigation for a cause. Rehabilitation for firefighters was set up in the area of the White Haven fire station by the L&L Fire Company from Carbon County. Units began to be released in the early afternoon.
