SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, Pa. – Pottsville firefighters were dispatched to Box 34 at the address 625 Pierce Street in City for a reported house fire at 8:17 Tuesday evening.
Police arrived on the scene and confirmed a working fire with smoke from the eaves with two connected exposures. Chief 68-3 requested a rapid intervention team (Schuylkill Haven) and second due ladder (Minersville Fire-Rescue) be dispatched to the scene.
Crews began to advance lines through the lower floors toward the attic. As they were waiting for water to reach the nozzle, conditions began to deteriorate and crews backed down to the second floor. Without notice, the second floor flashed over in flames and blew out a window on the “A” side. A MAYDAY was declared for the three firefighters caught in the flashover.
An announcement was made declaring the mayday and communications moved all other radio traffic to a different frequency while a second alarm was dispatched into the city. After a few tense moments, Captain 55 radioed to command that he was ok but he was with two other members. Shortly after that transmission, it was relayed the other two members were also accounted for. All three members were able to walk out of the building without injury.
With the mayday cleared, firefighters were able to once again focus their efforts on the firefight. Crews were able to make their way to the attic and began to knockdown the fire while other crews cut vent holes in the roof. Multiple lines were stretched into the buildings.
All visible fire was knocked down within thirty minutes of crews arriving on the scene and all that was left was steam emanating from the roof of the structures.
Second alarm companies were directed to stage at Station 30 and cover the city until units were available.
Three civilians were transported to the hospital for evaluation as was a firefighter who suffered a minor injury during overhaul.
The American Red Cross was requested to respond to help nine occupants who were displaced by the fire.
A State Police Fire Marshal was also requested to respond to the scene to help with the investigation of the cause.
Firefighters were clear of the scene shortly after midnight.
