SHAMOKIN – A state police fire marshal will investigate a fire Friday night that destroyed a garage owned by A&G; Towing at the end of Bear Valley Avenue.
The blaze broke out in the one-story garage owned by Al Keefer about 9:45 p.m. Firefighters were on the scene within minutes, according to Harry Deitz, of Shamokin.
Deitz said there were several explosions. One of them sent sparks and debris resembling fireworks into the air.
Keefer, who owns a towing business, filed a complaint againt Shamokin District Judge John Gembic III earlier this year claiming Gembic's new towing service was taking advantage of his close relationship with the police. Gembic is a shareholder in Anthracite Towing LLC.
No injuries were reported in the fire.
All of Shamokin's fire companies responded. Coal Township firefighters responded to Shamokin to standby.
Firefighters returned to their stations about 1:30 a.m. today.
According to published reports, Keefer, 45, of 713 Bear Valley Ave., was cited by the state Department of Environmental Protection last week for mining coal without a license or permit. He attended a hearing on Oct. 21in the Pottsville office of DEP to discuss the allegations. DEP ordered Keefer to stop. No charges have been filed against Keefer.
He was charged last month by Coal Township police with harassment for allegedly yelling obscenities at Michael Garcia, of Shamokin, chief operator of Anthracite Towing, during a towing call at 12:35 p.m. on Sept. 12 in the township.
A summary citation was filed in the office of Catawissa District Judge Craig Long to avoid any potential conflicts with a judge from Northumberland County being assigned the case.
