Pennsylvania Firefighters Tackle Elysburg Rooming House Fire

Aug. 18, 2004
At 0222 hrs on Saturday August 14, 2004 The Northumberland County Communications Center dispatched the Elysburg Fire Department plus several mutual aid companies to the Twin Spruce boarding house for a building with possible entrapment.

At 0222 hrs on Saturday August 14, 2004 The Northumberland County Communications Center dispatched the Elysburg Fire Department plus several mutual aid companies to the Twin Spruce boarding house for a building with possible entrapment.

Upon arrival first units found fire through the roof of large one and two story structure with reports that several people were missing.

Firefighters attempted an interior attack but were forced out. The companies turned to defensive operations. Through the course of the attack companies used engine mounted deck guns, 3 portable guns, several hand lines and an elevated master stream.

Additional resources were dispatched from surrounding communities. Fire Companies assisting with the fire included Elysburg, Overlook, Stonington, Shamokin, Coal Township, Kulpmont, Catawissa, Numidia, Sunbury, Upper Augusta, South Side, Danville, Mount Carmel Township and Mahoning Township.

The fire consumed much of the original fire building but did not damage any of the several exposure buildings. By early Saturday morning firefighters had found 3 bodies inside the building all believed to be residents of the facility.

The victims have not been identified and no cause has been reported at this time.

One firefighter was injured during the operation.

The fire is being investigated by Elysburg fire, Ralpho Township Police and the Pennsylvania State Police.

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