SHAMOKIN - Quick response by local firefighters Sunday afternoon prevented an entire block of row homes in the 400 block of West Pine Street from being destroyed by flames. They also saved the life of a dog.
Five people were left temporarily homeless in the fire.
The 5:21 p.m. incident, which has been ruled accidental, started in the first-floor kitchen at the three-story residence of Bill Forbes, 410 W. Pine St., who was not home at the time. Flames were shooting out windows and eaves when firefighters arrived.
The fire quickly spread to other sections of the Forbes' residence and gutted the second floor. Smoke, water and fire damage was reported in other areas of the structure as well.
"The fire started in the kitchen and was electrical in nature," said Shamokin Deputy Fire Chief John Klembara, who directed firefighting efforts.
Minor fire damage was reported to 408 W. Pine St., inhabited by Joe and Breeanne Fisher, who also were not home at the time. Minor fire damage was reported to the rear of the third floor at 412 W. Pine St., inhabited by Janice Schroyer, and the third floor of 406 W. Pine St., home to Barbara Snyder.
Forbes' home also sustained extensive smoke and water damage, while the other three houses sustained minimal smoke and water damage, Klembara said.
He said all the fire victims, who were staying with relatives, are insured.
Klembara said PPL employees had to cut power only to Forbes' home.
He said the residence of Dr. Edward and Ann Marie Schetroma, 414 W. Pine St., was not damaged.
Dog saved; cats perish
No injuries were reported, but two cats belonging to the Fishers perished in the blaze.
Firefighters and emergency personnel were able to revive a 3-year-old male German Shepherd owned by the Fishers that was rescued from the home by Coal Township Assistant Fire Chief Michael Timco.
The Coal Township fire official, Friendship Fire Company member Amber Wheary and AREA Services Ambulance EMT Jim Vetovich provided the dog with oxygen and water outside the home before it was wrapped in a blanket and carried to an air-conditioned ambulance belonging to East End Fire Company in Kulpmont. The dog underwent further treatment in the ambulance before being transported to Sunbury Animal Hospital.
Flames 'like crazy'
While being evacuated from her home of 35 years, Schroyer told a News-Item reporter that she was ready to go to the store when she heard "crackling" coming from Forbes' home.
"I think the fire probably started in the back because when I looked out, I could see flames shooting out the windows like crazy," said Schroyer.
George Bettick, of 212 S. Fifth St., Shamokin, whose backyard is located directly behind the block of row homes, stated, "I was waxing my car and heard a crackling noise. I said to myself, what was that? After I saw the flames shooting out, I started yelling for someone to call 911."
Bettick's wife, Beth, said she spotted heavy flames and smoke coming from the back of Forbes' home after hearing her husband yelling outside.
John Dombrowski, of 241 S. Fourth St., Shamokin, and a member of West End Fire Company, said he was upstairs in his home when he heard a "bang that sounded like fireworks." He said he then looked out the bathroom window and saw heavy smoke.
Firefighters from Shamokin, Coal Township, Kulpmont and the Mount Carmel endured hot and humid conditions while battling the blaze. They scaled rooftops to battle the fire from the back, front and side, and had it under control in about 30 minutes.
"It was a good stop," Klembara said. "Everyone did a fine job and our mutual aid was great."
Second fire call
Shortly after arriving on scene, some firefighters responded to a second structure fire call at the home of Syl and Carol Kulonda, 20 S. Second St. Fortunately, that call only involved an overheated electrical outlet used for an air conditioner that caused smoky conditions.
Firefighters were at the Second Street call for only several minutes before returning to the Pine Street fire.
Ammunition 'pops'?
At about 5:35 p.m., loud pops that sounded like firecrackers could be heard coming from the Forbes' residence. Neighbors said Forbes has several guns and ammunition in his home, which may have caused the firecracker-like noises. Klembara said he couldn't confirm what made the loud pops.
Assisting Klembara were city battalion chief Jason Zimmerman, Timco and Coal Township Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Malukas.
Firefighters remained at the scene until shortly after 8 p.m.