Aug. 02--A fast-moving fire that heavily damaged a Scranton apartment building and displaced six people Wednesday night is still under investigation.
For now, the cause of the fire is listed as incendiary, indicating it was set, city Deputy Fire Chief Al Lucas said. However, additional investigation is needed to determine if the fire was set accidentally or intentionally.
Fire crews arrived at 310 Cedar Ave. at 8:19 p.m., minutes after the first alarm had been called. Flames were rising into the air from the rear of the building and residents were trying to escape from windows when firefighters arrived.
The fire started in the rear right corner of the exterior of the building, at the porch area, Deputy Chief Lucas said.
Some tenants used a picnic table turned on its side and resting against the building to lower themselves and escape. Firefighters were able to rescue additional tenants. One firefighter was evaluated for smoke inhalation, but he reported later he felt better, the chief said.
No one else was injured in the blaze.
The American Red Cross Lackawanna Chapter provided food and lodging to six people after the fire, according to a news release. The Red Cross also will follow up with additional services if needed.
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Copyright 2013 - The Times-Tribune, Scranton, Pa.
