LUZERNE COUNTY, PA – Shortly after 7:00 PM on Thursday, October 10, Luzerne County 9-1-1 dispatched West Hazleton, Hazleton City and Hazle Twp. Fire Departments with West Hazleton EMS and APTS Medic 11 to 325 Anchor Street in West Hazleton for a reported residential structure fire.  County advised on the dispatch of multiple calls reporting a fire.

Multiple portable units and chiefs arrived on the scene and confirmed a working fire in a three story double block home with the “A” side of the building fully involved in fire.  It was reported that there were live wires down in the immediate area.  A second alarm was placed on standby.

Both engines from West Hazleton took the address and began to stretch heavy lines to initiated a blitz attack on the fire.  Hazle Twp. Tower 5 position behind the engines and sent their crew to the building.  A large amount of fire was knocked down and crews entered the building for an interior attack.  There was a possibility of two people trapped in the house.  A search proved those reports to be false.

Within an hour the bulk of the fire had been knocked down.  Crews conducted a secondary search and began an extensive overhaul operation.  Some of the second alarm companies were requested into the scene for fresh manpower.  The fire came during a period of heavy rains in the area. APTS and West Hazleton set up a rehab station for the firefighters.

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Pre-arrival video posted by Hazleton Deputy Chief Jones: