SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PA – At 12:47 PM on Wednesday, December 12, Schuylkill County 9-1-1 dispatched the West Mahanoy Township Fire Department (William Penn, Shenandoah Heights and Altamont) with the Hookies and Columbia from the Shenandoah Fire Department to 1200 West Coal Street in the Township for a reported house fire. Shenandoah ALS was also included on the first alarm assignment.
Shenandoah Medic 6401 pulled out of the station and saw smoke showing from 12 blocks away. Shenandoah PD arrived shortly after and confirmed the working fire with everyone out of the house. William Penn Chief 888 (Miscannon) arrived on the scene and assumed command.
Shenandoah Squrt 745 arrived on the scene and took the address. A line was stretched to the front door and the boom was flown to the roof. Crews found a heavy smoke condition pushing from the front door once it was opened and advanced into the first floor.
Columbia Engine 742 laid in from a hydrant on Coal Street and fed the Squrt. Crews kept advancing and began to knock the fire found on the first floor. An additional crew went to the roof and began vertical ventilation. A back-up line was stretched into the building by a crew from Altamont.
The fire was knocked down within fifteen minutes while crews continued to overhaul the building search for hidden fire. The scene was under control within the hour and crews were packed up and returning to the service shortly after 2:00 PM.
