SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PA – Around 6:30 AM, the Saint Clair Fire Department was dispatched to 321 Chestnut Street in the Arnots Addition section of New Castle Township for a reported house on fire with entrapment.
Chief 700B went responding and was advised 9-1-1 got a call from a female stating her house was on fire and “she was burning up.” Chief 700B reported he had smoke showing from a distance. Pottsville City Stations 40 and 70 were added to the response.
Chief 700B arrived on scene and confirmed a working fire with entrapment. The Chief had heavy fire showing upon arrival.
Ladder 703 took the address followed by Engine 702 who secured a water supply two blocks away. Engine 41 positioned behind 702 while Engine 705 took the rear of the single family dwelling.
Crews worked to knock down the fire and conduct a primary search but the fire progressed too rapidly and a female was found deceased within the residence.
As crews continued to hit hot spots and mop up the fire, Deputy Coroner Joe Pothering arrived on the scene to begin his investigation.
Pottsville crews began to be released shortly before 9:00 AM with Saint Clair crews remaining on scene throughout the morning.
The same residence was damaged by fire in early December 2014.
