Kevin Carroll | Times Leader
Two double-blocks collapse during four-alarm blaze
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Firefighters are battling a four-alarm residential fire at Jeanette and Palmer streets in Plymouth this afternoon.
Kevin Carroll | Times Leader
Firefighters are battling a four-alarm residential fire at Jeanette and Palmer streets in Plymouth this afternoon.
Kevin Carroll | Times Leader
PLYMOUTH — A four-alarm fire Sunday that destroyed several residential structures on Palmer Street claimed one life and displaced many.
Doctor Gary Ross will perform an autopsy on the victim on Monday, according to an email from the Luzerne County Coroner’s Office. No further details were released about the individual who died.
The fire was initially called in around 9:30 a.m., according to Plymouth assistant fire chief Rob Palchanis.
“Upon arrival of the first engine, we had heavy fire on a double-block from the porch all the way up to the second floor,” Palchanis said. “Through further investigating, we found that we had a confirmed entrapment.
“Due to the fire load and the amount of fire, we were not able to make entry at the time. We strictly went defensive.”
It was noted by several onlookers and neighbors that the double-block where the fire was believed to have started went up in flames very quickly, and spread to neighboring structures as a result.
Third and fourth alarms were sounded while the early responders to the blaze dealt with some water pressure issues; over time, departments from all over the West Side, as well as Nanticoke, Hanover Township and other responders from the other side of the river, were called in to help battle the fire.
The intense heat and humidity made things even tougher on the firefighters, but donated food and water from several Plymouth businesses and residents were a huge help, and Palchanis thanked the residents who donated when speaking with reporters late Sunday afternoon.
Two firefighters were transported for medical attention due to heat exhaustion; Palchanis said that one of the men had been released, and he didn’t know the status of the other but didn’t think it to be anything too serious.
In total, two double-block residences collapsed and were completely destroyed. Two neighboring double-blocks were also damaged, with one being a total loss and the other, having sustained some siding and interior damage, deemed fixable.
The American Red Cross was called in to assist with the families displaced by the fire.
A state police fire marshal was on scene Sunday and will aid the Plymouth police with investigating the fire..
