SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PA – At 2:15 PM on Wednesday, January 18, Schuylkill County 9-1-1 transmitted Box 28 for the address of 113 South Jackson Street in the City of Pottsville for reports of a house on fire. The Pottsville Bureau of Fire was due on the box.
While responding, City Chief P-1 was advised that the caller was reporting dog beds had caught on fire next to a fireplace within the residence. A short time later, units were given an update that police were on the scene confirming a working fire. P-1 requested a Rapid Intervention Team from Schuylkill Haven be added to the incident.
Ladder 51 arrived on the scene and found heavy fire showing from side “A” of a two and a half story single family dwelling. A line was quickly stretched and crews began to hit the fire from the front walkway before moving inside. Engine 41 arrived shortly after and an additional line was stretched to the residence.
Engine 32 came in behind L51 and secured a nearby hydrant. After securing the hydrant, a piece of LDH was stretched to L51 and secured their water supply. Engine 32 also stretched an additional line into the building.
Engines 62 and 11 proceeded into the scene from the South side of Jackson Street and sent their crews to the front of the building. Ladder 21 snaked its way to a driveway on the “C/D” corner and prepared to fly the stick to the rear porch roof.
Crews encountered heavy fire on the first floor and quickly contained it. Additional firefighters moved to the second floor to check or extension while additional crews moved to the attic space as well. P-4 took control of the rear of the building and reported to command that conditions were rapidly improving to the rear. Hydraulic ventilation was used to clear out the second floor and soon after the smoke had ceased coming from the home. The fire was placed under control at 2:41 PM. Schuylkill Haven RIT arrived on the scene and were promptly released.
The American Red Cross was sent to the scene to help the displaced residents with food and shelter. Schuylkill EMS was also on the scene checking on the occupant and providing rehab to firefighters. All crews were available from the scene shortly before 4 PM.
