SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, Pa. – Just after 10 AM on Saturday, October 5, Schuylkill County 9-1-1 dispatched a structure fire assignment to the area of Mauch Chunk and Greenwood Streets in Tamaqua.
First responding units were advised of a second call reporting a fire at 20 North Greenwood Street. Chief 65-2 and Engine 65-12 reported a header from across town and requested it be repaged as a working fire.
Both units arrived on scene and reported a working fire with fire showing from the middle of a row. At this time, police were reporting the possibility of entrapment as the occupants were unaccounted for.
The engine crew initiated an aggressive interior attack while others began a primary search. A female occupant was located crawling in the kitchen and firefighters helped her out of the building where she was evaluated by paramedics and taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation. The other occupant was determined to be not home at the time of the fire.
Engine 65-10 secured a water supply and positioned in front of 65-12 and was followed by Ladder 65-20. Engine 65-14 staged behind 65-12. RIT was requested from Panther Valley (Lansford and Summit Hill).
The fire was knocked down within 15 minutes of crews arriving on scene with two lines stretched and operating. A third line was stretched but never charged.
With the quick knockdown, firefighters were able to overhaul the scene and clear up shortly after noon.
