A duplex was destroyed by flames Friday morning in Pottsville and fire officials say three people – including two children – have been displaced as a result.
Firefighters in the city were initially called to a structure fire at 12 N. 17th St. shortly after 9 a.m. Friday. As the first responders arrived on the scene, they reported flames from the first and second floors of the building with heavy smoke. Flames had spread to the second home of the duplex, at 14 N. 17th St., which fire officials say was unoccupied at the time.
A short time into the response, Pottsville Fire Chief Jim Misstishin signaled for a second alarm. He tells The Canary that due to the time of day, it was a way of ensuring enough manpower was at the scene to control the blaze.
The fire was deemed under control about 45 minutes after the initial response. A little extra time was needed to douse flames in a crawl space that was initially inaccessible, Misstishin said.
A cause of Friday morning’s fire is being investigated by Misstishin, Pottsville Bureau of Police, and a State Police Fire Marshal.
Crews from Pottsville were joined by firefighters from Minersville, Schuylkill Haven, Port Carbon, Orwigsburg, Saint Clair, and Pine Grove. Emergency medical services and Fire Police also assisted at the scene.
One resident was inside 12 N. 17th St. as flames broke out, Misstishin said. The chief noted that she heard her smoke alarm, saw flames and was able to escape uninjured. The two children living there were at school at the time. No firefighters were injured battling the flames.
“Smoke alarms save lives,” Misstishin said.
American Red Cross assisted the displaced family with cash assistance.
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