LUZERNE COUNTY, PA – Shortly after 6:00 AM Wilkes-Barre City fire was dispatched to 216 Dana Street in the city for the reported structure fire. Responding units were advised that the 9-1-1 had already received over twenty calls reporting a working fire upon dispatch. The first arriving chief reported heavy smoke showing from a block away and immediately requested additional alarms as the fire had already spread to a neighboring exposure.
Crews initiated an interior attack and search but conditions rapidly deteriorated. All crews were ordered out of the building and a defensive attacked commenced. Additional supply lines were set up from hundreds of feet away. Truck 6 was positioned at the corner of Hazle and Dana Streets and readied for elevated master stream operations. Engine 2 was positioned on Hazle Street past the fire buildings, the deck gun was put in service as well as a blitz fire and a hand line. Additional engines were positioned to the rear of both buildings where deck guns and multiple large attack lines were deployed.
Due to the heavy fire conditions, command began to request off-duty firefighters be called into the scene. As the fire progressed, all off-duty personnel were brought into the scene and command declared the “All Hands Working.”
Water supply appeared to be an issue as crews experienced a loss in pressure multiple times throughout the incident. Firefighters continued to battle the flames, however, and brought the bulk of the fire under control in about two and a half hours. Extensive overhaul was needed which kept crews on scene throughout the morning.
Both buildings were completely destroyed by the fire which were determined to be vacant at the time of the fire. No injuries were noted at the scene and the city fire inspector was requested to investigate a cause.
