Tamaqua blaze injures one
Windows were boarded closed Sunday after a blaze caused extensive damage to this North Greenwood Street house in Tamaqua. One occupant was taken to the hospital for injuries. DONALD R. SERFASS/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS
One person was injured Saturday and a large home sustained extensive damage when fire broke out inside a three-story brick structure in Tamaqua.
Firefighters responded to a 10 a.m. blaze that sent dark smoke billowing skyward, visible from other areas of the community.
As firefighters arrived on scene, heavy smoke was coming from the first and second floor at 20 North Greenwood St.
Responders immediately attacked the blaze and gained access to the inside of the building. Fast action by Tamaqua police and firefighters is credited with saving an elderly woman who was taken to the hospital for breathing issues.
“She had smoke inhalation and possibly minor burns,” said Jason Hartz, first assistant chief, Tamaqua fire department. Hartz said the woman, who uses supplemental oxygen, was crawling through the kitchen area and trying to access the rear porch when responders arrived and helped her to safety.
She and her husband, who was not home at the time, were displaced by the fire.
“We determined it started in the first floor living room,” said Hartz.
The blaze, dangerous in its location among many adjoining homes in a heavily populated neighborhood, was brought under control in 20 minutes. Firefighters successfully prevented flames from spreading to adjoining, turn-of-the century buildings, many of them wood frame.
Former Chief Tom Hartz Jr., said many firefighter volunteers happened to be nearby working on a pig roast fundraiser at Citizens Fire Company. They saw the smoke from their location and were able to rush to the fire scene within a few short minutes.
“We called it in as a working structure fire and summoned mutual aid and RIT right away,” said Tom Hartz, Citizens Fire Company safety officer.
Damage is substantial to the historic building, constructed in 1900.
Jason Hartz said the occupants are tenants and have renters’ insurances. He estimated damages to the building at $30,000 and $15,000 for contents. The building’s owners are from Wescosville, according to courthouse records.
An adjoining brick house at 22 N. Greenwood St., also owned by the same party from Wescosville, sustained smoke damage.
All four Tamaqua fire companies responded along with police, Tamaqua Rescue, Tamaqua Fire Police, Lehighton ALS and Carbon County RIT.
The cause is undetermined.
