SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PA – Around 10:45 AM on Friday, September 14, Schuylkill County 9-1-1 dispatched District 38 (Ashland Fire) to 1222 Spruce Street in Ashland for a reported house fire. Ashland police were advised of the possible fire and Unit 41 arrived on the scene in seconds confirming a working fire. PD stated flames and smoke were showing from the residence.
Ashland Asst. Chief 3801 went responding and was advised of a the update from police. It was relayed that the fire sounded like it was going pretty good and communications inquired if he would like a second alarm assignment. The second alarm was transmitted.
The second alarm dispatched Mt. Carmel for Engine 2 and Truck 2, District 46 (Gordon Fire), District 45 (Girardville Fire), Altamont Fire and Englewood RIT. Mahanoy City RIT was eventually added to the alarm as well.
Fire units arrived on scene to find a large volume of fire to rear of the duplex with extension into the house on the Bravo side. Engine 38-10 arrived and stretched multiple lines to begin to control the fire. Ladder 38-25 took the address and flew to the roof. Engine 45-10 went to the rear of the structure and stretched additional lines.
While hose crews worked to knock down the fire, truck crews went to the roof and began vertical ventilation. Firefighters had the bulk of the fire knocked down within thirty minutes of the dispatch.
After the fire was knocked down, firefighters faced a large amount of overhaul that would need to be completed. Fresh firefighters were moved into place and began dousing hotspots. Crews remained on scene well into the afternoon making sure the fire was completely extinguished.
