SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PA – After 6:00 PM on Thursday, May 31, Schuylkill County 9-1-1 sent the Schuylkill Haven Fire Department to 20 West Main Street in their borough for a reported commercial structure fire. The fire was reported to be at Schuylkill Gun Works, a local firearms retailer.
First arriving crews found heavy fire showing from the rear of the gun shop which was located in the middle of a row in the downtown business district. A second alarm was immediately struck bringing in crews from Pottsville and Cressona as well as others. Crews began to stretch initial attack lines.
Schuylkill Hose Engine 732 took the address on the A side with Rainbow Truck 725 right behind it. Wagon 736 followed the truck in and also positioned on side A. Engine 733 took the alley at the C/D corner while Pottsville Engine 11 came the opposite way down the alley. Engine 737 positioned itself to the B/C corner of the row. Multiple supply lines were established.
As the first lines were being stretched, firefighters heard explosions coming from inside the building. Extreme caution was used to be aware of additional dangers. The fire continued to rage and billow putrid smoke into the air.
The row which contained the fire building had three story taxpayers to the front with two story garages to the rear. The fire had quickly spread to neighboring garages including a woodworking shop. Additional crews from Minersville and Saint Clair were requested. The third alarm assignment was filled out bringing Englewood Fire for their Rapid Intervention Team.
As firefighters continued to try to contain the blaze, command was requesting all personnel report to the front of the building as all hands were needed. An additional RIT was requested from Tamaqua to support the large operation.
Saint Clair Tower 701 arrived on the scene and was positioned in front of Engine 737 on the B side of the row. Minersville Ladder was set up on the same side. Pottsville Ladder 51 was set up in an elevated parking lot on the D side in case master stream operations were needed.
As crews began to wear out and hot spots were still burning, the fourth alarm was requested. The fourth alarm also brought in the Mahanoy City Fire Department RIT team.
While crews were performing overhaul on the second floor in the rear, a MAYDAY was declared. A firefighter had fallen through the floor and became stuck halfway through. A rapid intervention team was immediately activated. Crews entered and assessed the situation. A stokes basket was taken into the building for the rescue. EMS was summoned to the rear of the building and positioned their litter next to Engine 733 while the providers staged close to the building. After a few tense moments the firefighter was rescued and brought out of the building in ten minutes.
The firefighter, a chief officer from the Cressona Fire Department, was quickly assessed and placed on the litter. He was loaded and transported to a local hospital with a leg injury. He was treated and released.
Firefighters continued to mop up the fire well into the night. Crews were slowly released as the fire appeared to be under control. Schuylkill Haven units still remained on scene after midnight.
The Pennsylvania State Police fire marshal was requested to help investigate the cause of the fire. The American Red Cross was also on the scene to assist firefighters and displaced residents.
