SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, Pa. – Around 2:40 PM on Tuesday, September 10, Schuylkill County 9-1-1 dispatched firefighters to the 200 Block of Valley Street in New Philadelphia Borough for a reported house fire. The massive first alarm included Districts 54 (New Philly), 2 (Kaska & Cumbola), 57 (Palo Alto), 27 (Tuscarora), 65 (Ladder & East End), 68 (10, 20, 30 & 60) and a rapid intervention team from Schuylkill Haven.

First responding units were advised of multiple calls received of a house fire in the area. Engine 54-13 arrived on the scene and confirmed a working fire with flames showing from the third floor of a middle of the row dwelling.

The engine crew pulled a line through the front door and went toward the attic. A nearby hydrant was secured for the water supply. Engines 54-11 and 2-10 came in behind 54-13 while Pottsville Ladder 68-21 was directed to the front of the building.

Crews made the attic as heavy black smoke pushed from the “A” and “C” sides. Within minutes, the smoke turned to steam and quickly dissipated.

Firefighters from Pottsville went to the rear and ascended to the roof to check for extension and open up if needed.

In the front of the building, a firefighter came through the front door with a cat in his arms which led a female, who may have been the resident of the home, to run toward the front stairs to retrieve the cat. Another firefighter assisted getting the cat to the female. Shortly after that cat was rescued, the same firefighter came through the front door with another cat. Neither appeared to be injured.

The fire was placed under control by the 40 minute PAR check and crews began to be released. The American Red Cross was requested to the scene to aid the displaced and the State Police Fire Marshal was requested to respond to help with the investigation.