Group 3 “with fire in the sky” @ 317 W. Elm St. 12-18-11

Story By Brian Mandak, Deputy Chief

Dispatched by Luzerne County 911 to a reported structure fire with entrapment at 317 319 West Elm St. Chief 3 Eng. 2 Eng. 3 Ladder 1 along with medic 11 responded. During response we were told of multiple calls being received of fire showing. A glow in the sky and column of smoke were visible from the North Side. Tech Transport base located one block from the fire was on scene and again reported fire showing and a crew from Tech Transport entered the first floor and fought with the occupant eventually dragging her from harms way. This person was then treated and transported to a trauma center. Crews arrived to find fire venting from three windows on division 2 Tower 1 was brought into service and responded to the scene. Crew’s stretched three hand lines and the fire was suppressed quickly. Fire was contained to the second floor of the 317 side and never extended into the 319 side. Hazleton Fire department along with PSP fire Marshalls office are investigating. The fire is being listed as undetermined under investigation at this time. The Red Cross assisted at the scene with the displaced residents getting them a place to stay. Member from all five volunteer companies responded to the call.

Units on the Box – C-3 (Command), C-1, C-2, L-1, E-2, E-4, T-1 (RIT)

Medic 11 medical command rehab, Tech Transport

Eng-5 Staffed to cover city

Photos: Frank Barr and Facebook