SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, Pa. – At 4 PM on Tuesday, August 28, Schuylkill County 9-1-1 dispatched a first alarm assignment to the area of White and Oak Streets in Shenandoah for a reporting building fire. The Shenandoah Fire Department was due as was Mahanoy City Rescue 48-50.
Chief 64-2 was immediately on radio stating he was a block away and had smoke visible. The call was upgraded to a working fire with an updated address of 35 South White Street.
The Chief arrived on scene and assumed command of a two and a half single family dwelling with fire in the attic. Command reported someone was outside stating they were using a heat gun to warm paint and started a fire in the attic.
Engine 64-12 was the first due engine and was directed to a plug at Oak and White Streets. Squrt 64-20 traveled South on White and took the address followed by Tanker 64-30. Engine 64-10 brought in an additional supply line to the corner of Oak and White.
Multiple lines were stretched into the building while a crew ascended to the roof to open up for ventilation. As additional personnel arrived on scene, firefighters began to work on the second floor porch as fire could be seen escaping from the eaves.
Rescue 48-50 arrived on scene and was directing to set up a Rapid Intervention Team in front of the building. Once set up, personnel threw additional ground ladders around the building.
The roof was opened and heavy smoke began to come from the vent hole quickly followed by flames. Firefighters could be seen working in the attic as fire rolled above their heads. The smoke from the roof continued to worsen and a second alarm was requested to the scene.
The second alarm brought in crews from Frackville, Englewood, Shenandoah Heights, Ringtown and Mahanoy City (Citizens).
The fire was then knocked down in the attic and the brown and black smoke turned to white steam. The bulk of the fire had been knocked down when Communications initiated the 20 minute PAR check.
Firefighters continued to overhaul the building for the next hour before picking up their equipment and being released from the scene.
According to Assistant Chief Rick Examitas, the fire has been ruled accidental in nature and displaced two residents who lived in the house. Examitas noted the firefighters did a tremendous job considering the high heat and humidity plaguing the area this week.
No injuries were reported on the scene.
