Fire heavily damages Hometown residence

Firefighters from several municipalities responded Wednesday when fire tore through a Hometown residence at 12:35 p.m.

The house at the corner of Jeffrey Bnosky Street and Oak Lane, just off Meadow Avenue, was fully involved when firefighters arrived on scene.

The blaze was quickly brought under control but damage appeared extensive with both floors of the wood frame house impacted.

A Pennsylvania State Police fire marshal arrived on scene later in the day and the cause is under investigation.

According to courthouse records, the residence is owned by Andrew Wuttke. No injuries were reported but a pet dog and rabbit perished.

Among units responding were Tamaqua Fire Department, Hometown Fire Company, Ryan Township Fire and Rescue and Hometown fire police.

The house was occupied by a woman who lost everything in the blaze, according to Justin Startzel, a life long friend of the victim.

Startzel said she is in need of clothing such as medium or large shirts and shorts and footwear in size 6.5 to 7, along with house hold items.

Donated items can be dropped off at 131 Mahanoy St. in Tamaqua.