LUZERNE COUNTY, PA – Shortly after 9AM, Foster Twp. Fire, Freeland Fire, White Haven Fire, Freeland EMS and APTS Medic 11 were dispatched to the 300 Block of Foster Avenue in Foster Township for a report of a house fire with possible entrapment.
Initial reports were given that callers stated there was smoke and flames coming from a residence with possibly people trapped inside. First responding units advised they had smoke showing from a distance and Luzerne County advised they were now getting reports of people jumping from windows.
Foster Township Chief arrived on the scene and confirmed a working fire with an occupant hanging out a window. First units were advised to bring a ladder to the “D” side of the structure. A female was rescued from the second floor and treated by EMS.
Freeland Engine arrived and took the A/D corner while Freeland Truck took the yard on the “B” side. Foster Engine took the “A” side while White Haven Engine setup behind the Freeland Engine and started to pump out of a portable pond. Command requested a second alarm to the scene.
Valley Regional Engine was directed to a nearby hydrant and pickup the supply line in the street and pump the hydrant. Hazle Township Engine, Rescue and Tanker arrived on the scene and sent their manpower to the building.
Crews encountered heavy fire to the rear of the building while stretching multiple lines into the residence. Freeland Truck positioned their ladder to the roof and a crew went up for vertical ventilation.
Hazle Township Tower 7 originally approached from the A/B corner but then repositioned on the “D” side and flew the bucket to the roof for additional ventilation. A third alarm was struck for manpower.
As the truck crews continued to open the roof, additional crews stretched lines to the rear while others works to open up the inside of the building and find hidden fire. After working without success, crews were pulled out of the building and the ladder pipe off Freeland truck was opened to drown the fire from the top.
After 10-15 minutes of ladder pipe operations crews re-entered the building and began to mop up. The fire was under control around 11:30AM and out-of-town companies began to be released around noon.
