Hamlin Township, Pennsylvania Structure Fire

Forty firefighters from five volunteer fire departments battled a fire in a large metal garage during a thunderstorm with heavy rain and lighting on Monday, March 13, 2006.

The Mount Jewett Volunteer Fire Department was initially dispatched to a fully involved garage fire with explosions.

Fire Chief Craig Simons immediately requested a second alarm bringing manpower and apparatus from Kane, Smethport, Hamlin Township and Highland Township volunteer fire departments to the scene.

The rural location required the use of a porta-tank and a tanker shuttle operation to supply water for firefighting operations. Destroyed in the fire in addition to the garage were a pick-up truck, snowmobile, boat, three-wheeler and an antique farm tractor.

Firefighters were on the scene for two hours.

Damage was estimated at $80,000.

A Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of the fire.