SHAMOKIN — Fourteen people were left homeless after a two-alarm fire destroyed a three-story apartment building late Friday night.
Two of the 75 firefighters battling the blaze suffered minor injuries and were treated at the scene by emergency medical technicians, Shamokin Fire Bureau Chief Jim Catino said.
The structure at 704-705 Shamokin St. erupted in flames at 10:30 p.m., Catino said.
Firefighters brought the blaze under control within 30 minutes, Catino said. The fire started in a rear first-floor apartment, the chief said, adding that he believed there were six apartments in the building.
“We responded quickly,” Catino said, “and we were able to confine the fire to the main structure at 704-705. There are apartments in the back, and people were inside, but they all got out safely.”
The origin of the blaze was undetermined as of Saturday afternoon, Catino said.
The fire caused heavy damage to the building’s second and third floors, said Catino, who was unable to provide an estimate of damage.
The Schuylkill and Eastern Northumberland chapter of the American Red Cross is helping the displaced residents, said Tim Firestone, emergency services director.
There were five families among the displaced, whose members ranged in age from 1 to 60, he said.
“There are a few who are staying in a motel, and some are staying with family members,” Firestone said Saturday. “We helped with what we could, with clothing and food.”
Shamokin police as of Saturday were trying to contact the building’s owner, who was in New Jersey, Catino said.
Catino said a first alarm in Shamokin requests assistance from all of the city’s units — four engines, a ladder truck and a rescue truck. A second alarm brings a Mount Carmel ladder truck, a main fire company from Coal Township, the Ralpho Township Fire Company engine and the East End and Kulpmont engine, which serves as a rapid intervention team.
The identities of those displaced by the fire were not available Saturday.
-- E-mail comments to rdandes@dailyitem.com
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