AJ News

On Tuesday, Dec. 29, four local fire companies responded to the fire at 632 Layton Road, South Abington Township, which started on the second floor of the home and spread to the attic area, according to Assistant Chief Sean Connolly of the Chinchilla Hose Company. Fire companies from Dickson City, Clarks Summit and Newton-Ransom all assisted with fighting the fire, which was first reported by a neighbor at approximately 6:45 p.m.
Connolly also reported that there were no injuries as a result of the fire, and no one was home at the residence when the fire broke out.

The American Red Cross was called to the scene of a single-family fire, according to Charlotte Wright, Director of Community Affairs for the American Red Cross of Lackawanna County. Two people were displaced and will be receiving assistance with food, clothing and shelter from the Red Cross. The cause of the fire is unknown at this point and the property caused suffered heavy water and smoke damage, according to Wright.

Red Cross volunteers and staff were on hand to provide rehab to the firefighters battling below freezing temperatures, and to meet the immediate needs of the home owners, said Wright.

The fire came at the end of a year in which the Lackawanna County has responded to over 150 incidents, including more than 130 fires, according to Wright. The Lackawanna County Chapter has assisted over 420 victims of disaster in the last year alone. Support is requested, with a donation of your time or money. Contributions made before December 31, 2009 are eligible as a tax deduction for the 2009 tax year.

To make a contribution, log on to www.neparc.org, call 570. 207.0109 or mail to 545 Jefferson Avenue, Scranton, PA 18510.

To find out how you can become a Red Cross volunteer, call us on 570. 207.0100