by justin strawser
UPPER AUGUSTA TOWNSHIP - The wind was blamed for a fire that destroyed a home on Packer Island Monday evening, according to Subury Fire Department Assistant Chief Richard Sinko.
Witnesses reported seeing a wood fire outside the home of Richard Good, at the corner of Park Drive and Mungo Avenue, Sinko said. He also said it is believed embers were blown into the rear portion of the home, catching the building on fire at approximately 4:35 p.m.
The house, a two-story building, went up in flames, which quickly consumed both floors. By 5:15 p.m., the flames were knocked down and by 5:50 p.m., the scene was declared secure.
Firefighters were observed on the second floor, throwing out the charred remains of furniture while grey smoke lingered above the home.
"They all worked well together. I was very pleased with the operations," Sinko said.
There were no injuries reported despite early calls of entrapment on the scanner. Sinko said it was mistakenly thought Good was in the house because a vehicle was in the driveway.
He didn't know whether Good lived with others.
Joanne Tocket, of 232 Guyer St., said it was difficult to see anything because of all the "thick, black smoke just billowing out of the roof."
She was standing across the street with three other neighbors watching the firefighters work, who knocked the fire down quickly, she said.
The fire was ruled accidental and there was no need for State Police Fire Marshal Norman Fedder to investigate, Sinko said.
Assisting at the scene were approximately 75 fire fighters from Sunbury Fire Department, Stonington Fire Company, Upper Augusta Volunteer Fire Department, Northumberland Hook and Ladder, Shamokin Dam Rescue Fire Department, DH and L. Company of Selinsgrove, Warrior Run Area Fire Department and Americus Hose Company Ambulance.