Two people were transported to the hospital after a Sunday afternoon fire destroyed a home in Shenandoah.
Emergency personnel were dispatched shortly after 2:30 p.m. Sunday for a reported house fire at 214 West Columbus Street.
Responding firefighters reported seeing a column of smoke while en route, prompting the incident to be upgraded to a working fire.
According to Shenandoah Fire Chief Rick Examitas, crews arrived to find heavy fire showing from the front of the residence. He credited firefighters with bringing the blaze under control quickly.
Three people were inside the home when the fire broke out, but all were able to escape. Chief Examitas said one occupant suffered minor burns and another suffered smoke inhalation. Both individuals were transported to Lehigh Valley Hospital-East for evaluation.
The fire displaced all three occupants. The American Red Cross is assisting those affected.
The Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal investigated the incident and determined the fire was accidental and electrical in nature. Chief Examitas said the residence is considered a total loss.
Firefighters from Shenandoah were assisted at the scene by crews from Mahanoy City, Frackville, Englewood, Pottsville, and West Mahanoy Township. Pottsville firefighters staffed the rapid intervention team, while Frackville EMS and Ryan Township personnel provided rehabilitation services for firefighters.
Shenandoah EMS, the American Red Cross, and Shenandoah Police also assisted, with police helping with the investigation.
