LUZERNE COUNTY, PA – At 5:24 PM on Monday, April 1 fire crews from West Hazleton, Hazle Twp. and Harwood were dispatched to the area of North Third Street and Green Street in West Hazleton Borough for a reported structure fire.
West Hazleton Chief 3 went enroute and was advised that the caller thought they saw a house on fire in that area. Police arrived on scene shortly after and confirmed a working fire with possible entrapment.
The chief arrived on scene with a three story duplex with smoke and flames showing from the third floor. The first in engine was directed to hit the plug and stretch a line into the building while the first due truck was directed to ladder the building. Command also requested Hazleton City for a ladder and engine.
Crews knocked the fire down within fifteen minutes and continued to search for hot spots for about an hour.
As crews were clearing the West Hazleton job, Hazleton fire was dispatched to North Manhattan Court in the City for a reported house on fire. Crews arrived to find the correct address to be 128 North Fulton Court. The first arriving engine found smoke showing.
Hazleton Chief 1 reported a working fire with the second and third floor of a single family dwelling to be involved. A line was stretched into the building and the fire quickly extinguished.
Multiple police units were requested to the scene of the fire to assist in the investigation. A State Police fire marshal was requested to both fire scenes to determine the cause. Both fires were listed as suspicious in nature.
