(Photos: Coal Region Canary) Firefighters from around central Schuylkill County gather outside a blaze at 101 Pottsville St. in Port Carbon around 2 a.m. Sunday. The fire displaced 5 people, including an infant.
Fire broke out just after 1:30 a.m. Sunday and destroyed a home in Port Carbon.
Five people are without a home following the incident, including one infant. Fire crews from 9 departments converged on 101 Pottsville St. in Port Carbon and found the home fully involved.
The property adjoins the popular Francis Lubinsky Playground in Port Carbon.
Crews from Port Carbon, Palo Alto, Pottsville, Minersville, Schuylkill Haven, Saint Clair, Cumbola, Tuscarora, and Englewood helped douse the blaze. And it took every single firefighter on the scene to get it under control.
Heavy smoke continued to pour from the house for more than an hour and firefighters continuously battled small flare ups inside the house.
Port Carbon Police Chief Joe Ferraro was first on the scene and called emergency dispatchers for help. When he arrived at the home, he tells The Canary that smoke was pouring out of the front windows.
He says two families occupied the home. A man, woman, and infant occupied the upstairs. And a man and woman lived on the first floor, too.
“As soon as everyone got out, you could hear the windows popping,” Ferraro said.
There’s no word on the cause of the fire at this time. Firefighters were still at the scene until the fire was declared “out” just before 4 a.m.
Subscribe to Coal Region Canary
Get email updates from Coal Region Canary by becoming a subscriber today. Just enter your email address below to get started!Support Coal Region Canary
Like our reporting and want to support truly local news in Schuylkill County? Your small donations help. For as little as $5, your contribution will allow us to cover more news that directly affects you. Consider donating today by hitting the big yellow button below ...