Carbon firefighters on scene at Pocono Manor
COPYRIGHT LARRY NEFF/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS
Firefighters from several counties are on scene at the historic Pocono Manor Inn in Pocono Township.
Fire broke at just after 6:30 a.m. It was first reported as a commercial structure fire with an active fire in the kitchen.
Companies from Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne and Northampton counties were called to the scene. At 8:30, additional manpower was called. Shortly after 9, firefighters were ordered to evacuate the building because of instability. COPYRIGHT LARRY NEFF/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS
More than 24 hours after fire broke out the historic Pocono Manor Inn, firefighters from Carbon are on the scene trying to put out hot spots.
Through the night firefighters from Parryville. Nesquehoning, Summit Hill and Aquashicola are among the many companies on the scene as the historic Pocono Manor Resort and Spa in Pocono Township burned.
Fire broke out at just after 6:30 a.m. Friday. It was first reported as a commercial structure fire with an active fire in the kitchen. Companies from Carbon, Lehigh, Lackawanna, Luzerne and Northampton counties were called to the scene. Additional manpower was called to battle the fire at the century-old structure and continued coming throughout the day.
As darkness settled in, the trucks were running low on fuel.
General Manager Don Snyder told the Associated Press the damage was “heartbreaking.”
Officials said guests safely evacuated from about 25 rooms. Authorities think the fire started in a dining area and quickly spread.
The Salvation Army canteen was on site, as well as the American Red Cross, supporting the efforts of nearly 200 firefighters battling the fire at Pocono Manor. The Red Cross and partners served meals and snacks and provided water and coffee to the first responders.
Pocono Manor posted Friday, “We are so saddened by today’s tragic fire. Please know we are working diligently to find options for all our November groups and guests. We are so grateful to our hospitality network and all of the firemen and emergency services crews who are helping to extinguish the fire.”
According to the Pocono Mountain Visitors Bureau, the hospitality community rallied together to support Pocono Manor, its guests and employees.
Several properties stepped up to offer alternatives for Pocono Manor’s overnight guests, groups and wedding reservations booked through the end of November. Fellow resorts offering assistance include: Woodloch Resort, Skytop Lodge, Kalahari Resorts and Conventions, The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort, Baymont Inn and Suites, Camelback Lodge, French Manor Inn and Spa and Great Wolf LodgePocono Raceway posted, “Our thoughts tonight go out to our friends at Pocono Manor Resort & Spa. Wishing safety to all the fire fighters and emergency responders on scene.”
The idea for Pocono Manor was born in December 1901, when a group of Quakers and their friends gathered at the 12th Street Meeting House in Philadelphia. They decided to purchase a tract of land where they could relax from the routine of city life.
Pocono Manor was opened on Aug. 15, 1902.
Listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, Pocono Manor boasts of an iconic golf course designed by legendary architect Donald Ross. The world class spa has a nurturing salt cave and has 3,000 acres of hiking and trap shooting.
According to online reports, the resort was closing for renovations.
