LUZERNE COUNTY, PA – At 11:30 AM on Sunday, October 14, Hazleton City Fire was dispatched to the area 1st Street and Wilbur Court for an investigation. When City Southside Station signed on for the additional, they were told a call was just received for a structure fire at 525 Wilbur Court. It was unknown if the building was occupied at the time. Ladder 1 and Engine 3 went responding to the fire. Engine 2 and Chief 2 also went enroute.
While responding, a portable unit arrived on the scene and confirmed a working structure fire on 1st Street. Ladder 1 arrived and took the address while Engine 2 placed directly in front of the ladder. Crews found heavy fire from the second floor of the dwelling. All three occupants were out of the house upon arrival. Chief 2 arrived and assumed command, requesting a page be sent out for additional personnel.
Lines were stretched into the building and crews began to make good work of the fire. The Chief reported the crews were beginning to get the bulk of the fire knocked down and all utilities needed to the be notified. An updated address of 523 West 1st Street was given.
Crews got the bulk of fire on the second floor knocked down within ten minutes. However, interior crews were reporting the fire had spread into the eves and was spreading across the attic. Ladder 1 was requested to open the roof for vertical ventilation. Ground ladders were thrown and crews ascended with saws.
Once the roof was opened, smoke began to billow out of the vent hole. The smoke quickly became black and increased in volume. Within seconds the smoke turned to flame and heavy fire was showing from the attic window and roof.
Firefighters pushed forward and began to knock down the fire in the attic while crews retreated from the roof. After a few minutes of fierce battle, the fire was once again knocked down. Crews began to perform overhaul on the building. Units remained on scene into the afternoon mopping up and getting their rigs back in service. The Red Cross was requested to the scene to assist the displaced occupants.
