Another home in Polk Township damaged by fire

The latest in a string of house fires in Polk Township — the second in the span of two days — occurred Tuesday night.

Township fire Chief Billy Tippett said the fire broke out at 10:53 p.m. at 104 Acorn Lane, Kunkletown, in the El-Do Lakes development.

Tippett said firefighters were called out to a reported chimney fire after the caller stated she saw smoke coming out of her walls.

“Upon arrival, the house was about 50 percent involved in flames, the interior,” Tippett said. “The crews made a quick knockdown.”

Tippett said crews were on scene for about two hours extinguishing and overhauling the fire.

“There was heavy damage to the interior,” he said. “(The home) is currently not livable.”

Tippett said the fire is not believed to be suspicious.

“It’s looking like it started from the chimney,” he said. “The fireplace was on at the time.”

Tippett said there were no injuries to the residents or firefighters.

He said the Red Cross was contacted for the residents.

Tippett said also assisting at the scene were the West End Fire Company and West End Ambulance.

“It was great teamwork by both companies,” he said. “It was a well-orchestrated attack.”

Early Monday morning, a vacant single-story ranch-style home at 8755 Twin Lake Drive in Robin Hood Lakes, Kunkletown, sustained damage after it caught fire.

Tippett said that three-quarters of the roof was on fire at the home when firefighters arrived. The fire stayed above the ceiling light in the attic.

He said that the home has been vacant for several years and is up for sale, and the matter has been turned over to a state fire marshal at the Hazleton barracks, who will determine the cause of the fire.

Tippett said that home, valued at $60,000, sustained major damage, adding that the entire roof is gone, though all four walls are still standing.

He said there were no injuries, and that firefighters had that fire under control within about 45 minutes, but didn’t clear the scene until 4:18 a.m.

Tippett said Tuesday night’s fire does not appear to be connected to Polk arsons that were reported on Sept. 11 at 4862 Queens Way, and in July.

“It appears that this one is unrelated to the other incidents going on in the Jonas area,” he said.

Tippett said homeowners should do their part to make sure their homes are protected in the best possible way.

“Keep your doors and windows closed,” he said. “When you exit the house, close the door behind you; it will help the fire company in saving property and possessions.”

Tippett stressed the need for homeowners to be on their toes this time of year.

“(They should) keep their eyes open for things,” he said. “Make sure they get their chimneys and boilers cleaned and serviced; prepare for winter.”

Tippett urged residents to help their fire departments in whatever way possible.

“All volunteer fire companies are looking for help and donations,” he said.