MINERSVILLE, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Firefighters were on the scene Sunday afternoon battling a fire in Minersville that left many injured, impacting multiple homes, and left 20 people displaced.
Officials tell 28/22 News, crews were called at about 12:44 p.m. to the 600 block of North Second Street in Minersville for a third-alarm fire impacting at least two homes.
Authorities say The Minersville Fire and Rescue are still on scene as of 3:50 p.m., and the Red Cross is also on scene helping those affected.
Minersville Fire and Rescue Chief Eric Eichenberg spoke with 28/22 News Reporter Gianna Galli saying two people suffered injuries and were taken to the hospital, along with two firefighters.
Fire Chief Eichenberg explains a neighbor put a ladder up to the third floor of one of the homes to pull two people from the flames.
Six homes were damaged by the flames with two considered total losses, leaving 20 displaced, according to Fire Chief Eichenberg.
Chief Eichenberg says 15 fire departments responded to the incident which is now currently under investigation.
One of the victims Galli spoke with was home at the time, sensed danger, and took action.
“I was just sitting at home eating lunch, just got done eating and I heard people screaming and it sounded like they were you know in danger and I looked out the back window and seen flames shooting out the side of the house and I thought I better get out, and then firefighters started knocking on my door told me to get out, so I grabbed the cat and I was out,” said Fire Victim Brandon Celmer.
PPL also turned off the power in the area affecting over 150 customers.
Power is anticipated by PPL to be restored by 8:00 p.m. Sunday.
This is a developing story and 28/22 News will provide updates as new information becomes available.
