Fire, smoke temporarily displace residents
A kitchen fire in an apartment at 132 E. Broad St. in Tamaqua brought a full response from Tamaqua’s first responders on Monday morning. The fire was quickly contained by a neighbor using a fire extinguisher, but smoky conditions filled all three floors of the building, which also houses the Jewells Dental office. KATHY KUNKEL/TIMES NEWS
Quick action by a neighbor late Monday morning averted what could have been a serious fire for residents of an apartment building in Tamaqua.
The fire alarm sounded at 11:42 a.m. for an apartment fire at 132 E. Broad St. Within minutes, firefighters were at the scene. They found a very smoky condition throughout the entire building, but the flames had been doused by a neighbor using a fire extinguisher, followed by Tamaqua Police using a second extinguisher to ensure the fire was out.
Fire damage was limited to a kitchen in one of the apartments. Four occupants of the building were temporarily displaced, as were Dr. Robert Jewells, whose dental practice is on the first floor, along with his staff and patients. Firefighters checked the building to make sure the fire hadn’t spread, then ventilated to clear the smoke.
The building is owned by Dr. Jewells and is insured, although the resident in the affected apartment does not have renter’s insurance.
Damage is estimated at $8,000 to the building and $5,000 to the contents.
Assistant Tamaqua Fire Chief declared the fire accidental in nature, with the origin as the stove.
In addition to all four Tamaqua fire departments and Tamaqua Police, first responders included Tamaqua EMS and the Tamaqua Rescue Squad.
