Fire displaces six from West Oak home

SHENANDOAH – Six people are being assisted by the American Red Cross after flames ripped through their southside home Saturday night.

The fire broke out around 6:00pm at 332 West Oak Street.

Fire crews were called to the area of Oak and Gilbert for a reported possible structure fire.

As first responders arrived, smoke was billowing from a dryer vent and the rear of 332 West Oak, creating a smoke condition around the neighborhood, visible as far as West Lloyd Street.

A second alarm was quickly struck, bringing firefighters from Shenandoah Heights, William Penn, Altamont, Frackville, Ringtown, and the Mahanoy City Citizens to assist the five Shenandoah fire companies and Mahanoy City West End.

Early in the firefight, flames engulfed the entire first floor of the home and the second floor was compromised, forcing crews to access the fire from 330 West Oak and the rooftop.

Borough Fire Marshal Rick Examitas said that the bulk of the damage was contained to 332, which he said is a total loss, while 330 suffered damage from the firefight itself, as crews used that home to access the fire.

328 West Oak suffered minor damage, Examitas said.

Six people — two adults and four children — were displaced from 332, and no one was home at the time of the fire, including the family pet.

330 was vacant, Examitas said, and the occupants of 328 are back in their homes tonight.

No one was hurt, he said.

“Honest to God, I can’t believe it didn’t run that way,” Examitas said, referring to 330 and 328.

“It was running the walls,” Examitas added. “We’ll be back investigating tomorrow.”

Examitas said that the quick and hefty response from fire crews saved the block.

Also responding to the scene was Shenandoah and West Mahanoy Township Police, Shenandoah Fire Police, Mahanoy City Ambulance, Frackville Ambulance, Shenandoah Ambulance, and Washington Hose Ambulance.

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Kaylee Lindenmuth

Kaylee Lindenmuth is a Shenandoah native with a passion for journalism and the community she calls home.

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