Eight displaced after west end blaze damages multiple homes
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL - Flames escape from the attic of a home at 520 West Arlington Street in Shenandoah on Jan. 18, 2026.
SHENANDOAH – Eight people are being assisted by the American Red Cross after a fire ripped through a west end block Saturday morning.
Crews were called to the 500 block of West Arlington Street just before 1am Sunday.
As firefighters arrived, flames could be seen at the rear of 522 and 524 West Arlington Street and spreading.
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL – The scene as firefighters arrived, flames can be seen coming from the second floor of 522 and 524 West Arlington Streets. 
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL – Russell Schumack, right, and another firefighter from the Rescue Hook and Ladder Fire Co. make an initial attack on the fire. 
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL – A Rescue Hook and Ladder firefighter gears up at the rear of his truck. 
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL 
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL
Flames eventually spread to 520 and 526 West Arlington Streets.
A second alarm was struck, bringing crews from Mahanoy City, Ringtown, William Penn, Pottsville, Sheppton, Frackville, Englewood, Ringtown, Nuremberg, and more to the scene to assist Shenandoah firefighters.
No injuries were immediately reported.
The fire was brought under control by around 3:30am and second alarm units began to be released shortly after.
Crews remained at the scene until at least 5am.
Shenandoah Fire Chief Rick Examitas told ShenSentinel eight people — four adults and four children — were displaced along with a pet dog. All are being assisted by the American Red Cross.
A cat is missing, the chief said.
A State Police fire marshal was on scene investigating. Examitas said the fire remains under investigation.
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