City firefighters battled a blaze that heavily damaged three structures on Dana Street Friday morning.
A general alarm was called for all city fire fighters to respond to scene
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A city firefighter smashes attic windows at 107/109 Dana St., Wilkes-Barre. Ed Lewis | Times Leader
A city firefighter at the scene of a fire that severely damaged three structures on Dana Street, Wilkes-Barre. Ed Lewis | Times Leader
Air tanks line up at the accountability area of a fire that severely damaged three structures on Dana Street, Wilkes-Barre. Ed Lewis | Times Leader
Flames extended into neighboring structures on Dana Street, Wilkes-Barre. Ed Lewis | Times Leader
WILKES-BARRE — City firefighters battled a blaze that heavily damaged three structures – five residences in total – on Dana Street Friday morning.
City Fire Chief Jay Delaney said firefighters responded to 103/105 Dana St. just after 8 a.m.
When firefighters arrived, Delaney said heavy fire was coming out of the double-block home.
Flames extended into 101 Dana St. as firefighters tirelessly searched the two structures while setting up hoses for water supply.
An interior attack was made at 103/105 Dana St. with firefighters running hoses inside as another firefighter outside aimed a hose at flames extending from the house into 101 Dana St.
As firefighters were busy at 103/105 and 101 Dana St., a police officer held the hand of a woman escorting her into her residence at 107 Dana St. to gather items. Minutes after the officer assisted the woman walking down stairs, flames extended from 103/105 into 107 Dana St.
Firefighters dropped more hoses and entered 107 Dana St. as heavy black smoke emerged from the attic. The front door was forced open at 109 Dana St. with firefighters extending hoses inside that residence.
Delaney said all occupants managed to escape. No injuries were reported to the occupants and firefighters.
A general alarm was called for all city firefighters to respond.
Firefighters from Kingston, Hanover Township and Nanticoke were deployed to the scene as Rapid Intervention Teams.
“We had three structures, two are double-blocks and one is a single family residence,” Delaney said. “As you can see, all three structures are very close to each and the fire hopped to each structure.”
Delaney said the three structures are “large” that took time to search for any occupants.
“Our first responsibility is to make sure all got out and are safe,” Delaney said.
Firefighters smashed windows on all three structures for ventilation as interior and exterior attacks continued for more than one hour.
Delaney said it took about one hour and 20 minutes to bring the fire under control. The fire chief said the fire got “deep inside” the three large buildings.
The city fire inspector is investigating the cause of the blaze, Delaney said.