SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PA – Shortly after 1:00 AM on Friday, July 6, the Shenandoah Fire Department was dispatched to the area of West Penn and North Chestnut Streets for the report of a possible house fire. Frackville Ladder 43-20, Mahanoy City West End Rescue 993 and Nuremberg Ladder 581 were also on the first alarm with Shenandoah EMS.
Chief 740 went responding and was advised of reports of smoke coming from the roof and eves of the house. Police arrived on scene shortly after and confirmed a working fire. The chief arrived and confirmed the same and assumed command.
Ladder 745 arrived on the scene and positioned on the A side of the structure. Engine 747 arrived and positioned at the A/D corner of the building. First crews found heavy smoke showing from the second floor and flames protruding from the second floor windows on the D side.
An inch and three quarter line was pulled off the 747 Engine and stretched through a door on the D side. Crews gained access to the bulk of the fire and swiftly knocked it down. The ladder was flown to the roof where crews ascended for vertical ventilation.
Engine 751 positioned behind the ladder while other Shenandoah units staged behind 747. Crews were sent to the front of the building for a manpower pool and assisted with stretching additional lines. Ladder 43-20 staged a block away on Washington Street and sent their crew to the roof. Rescue 993 arrived and threw ground ladders.
The bulk of the fire was knocked down within fifteen minutes and crews remained on scene to complete overhaul. It was reported that no one was home at the time of the fire.
