LUZERNE COUNTY, PA – Shortly before 10:30 PM on Christmas night, Luzerne County 9-1-1 sent the first alarm assignment to 425 Alvin Street in Freeland Borough for a reported dwelling fire. Most of the first alarm units were already on scene of a multiple alarm dwelling fire in neighboring Butler Township. Non-essential units quickly picked up and responded to Freeland. A second alarm was requested to replace the committed units.
Freeland Engine arrived on scene and reported smoke showing from the eves, confirming the working fire in a two and a half story duplex. Crews began to stretch lines into the right side of the duplex and found heavy fire throughout the second floor that was eventually venting out the windows. Freeland Chief requested the third alarm be put on the street due to the heavy amount of fire with the close exposures.
Hazle Township Tower Ladder arrived on scene and began to ladder the building and sent a crew to the roof. The roof was ventilated to take some heat off the interior crews. Interior crews were still reporting a large amount of fire on the second floor.
At one point, a homeowner reported to the chief that a male and a young boy were missing. Command requested a thorough secondary search commence to ensure no occupants were in the building. The two occupants were found to be outside the building without any injuries.
The bulk of the fire was knocked down within thirty minutes of the initial alarm. An extensive amount of overhaul was performed to keep the fire from reigniting. Firefighters remained on scene until just after 1:00 AM.
The fire is under investigation and there is no word on a possible cause. Crews were called back around 9:00 AM Monday morning for a small rekindle.
