SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PA – At 12:48 AM, on Tuesday, March 8, the Minersville Fire Department was dispatched to 514 Pine Hill Street in the borough for a reported house on fire.
Chief 510 went responding and was advised of multiple calls reporting a working fire at this address. The Chief requested a second alarm be dispatched which brings Stations 50 & 60 out of Pottsville.
Chief 510 arrived on scene shortly after and confirmed a working fire with heavy fire showing from a residence attached to five other buildings. A third alarm was requested.
The third alarm brought units from Cass Township, Llewellyn, Frackville, Pottsville Station 10 and a Rapid Intervention Team from Schuylkill Haven.
Engine 521 was the first unit on scene and pulled past the address while laying supply line, a line was quickly stretched to the front of the building. Tower 519 backed down Pine Hill Street to the front of the row and flew the bucket to the roof. Engine 528 positioned in front of the tower and set up an additional water supply and stretched a line. Ladder 51 took the intersection in front of Engine 521 and its crew assisted with roof operations.
Engine 62 was directed to the rear of the building where they stretched a line through the yard. Llewellyn Engine 03-10 was also directed to the rear. Squad 63-69 sent a RIT to the front of the building while Engine 63-12 provided a RIT to the rear.
The bulk of the fire was knocked down by the first 20 minute PAR check. Extensive overhaul was needed on both the second and third floors as well as the roof.
Crews continued to operate on the scene for about an hour before third alarm companies began to pick up and return to service.
One resident suffered burns on the scene and was treated by Minersville EMS and subsequently flown to a burn center.
The American Red Cross was brought into the scene to assist the displaced residents and a Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal was requested to aide in the investigation.
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