Firefighters from nine companies responded to a two-alarm fire at 279 South Fourth Street in Hamburg that was reported at 3 p.m. on May 10.
Deputy Chief Jarrod Emes of Union Fire Company #1 of Hamburg said the fire started on an exterior porch and spread inside the house and up to the second floor, causing about $30,000 in property and content damage.
The origin of the fire is undetermined and is under investigation but is not deemed suspicious, Emes said.
A neighbor discovered the fire. Home at the time, residents were able to escape. There were no injuries.
Firefighters rescued a cat and two dogs from a neighboring house that sustained moderate smoke damage.
“We were lucky the neighbor saw it and alerted when he did,” said Emes. “When crews arrived, fire was showing out the first floor rear window.”
Emes said the 25 firefighters on scene had the fire under control in 20 minutes.
“They were able to make a quick attack. These homes are in very close proximity to each other. They were able to stop it before it spread to the neighboring house,” said Emes.
On scene were firefighters from Hamburg, Shoemakersville, Virginville, Centerport, Leesport, Schuylkill Haven, Strausstown, Shartlesville and Kutztown fire companies.
Emes explained the reason for nine fire companies being on scene for the two-alarm fire. He explained that Hamburg Fire Company has low man power during the day time due to their dwindling numbers of day time volunteers.
“People are not able to leave work,” said Emes. “We’re relying more on neighboring departments to help. Our main goal is community safety. We’re always working to keep public safety in mind.”
Four adults and three children, residents of 279 South Fourth Street, were displaced by the fire and are being assisted by the Red Cross.
