Fast Response by Pa. Firefighters Helps Save House

SHAMOKIN, Pa. -- A "lightning-fast response" by firefighters helped save a house Tuesday afternoon, the city fire chief said.

Crews were called to the home of Audrey and Timothy Wyland II, of 1023 E. Packer St., Shamokin, at 4:04 p.m. for a small fire in the basement.

"The closest engine to the location was out of service for repairs, but members of the Rescue Fire Company came in with a handheld water cannon to keep the fire in check until the engines arrived," said Bruce Rogers, city fire chief.

Audrey Wyland said a weird smell triggered her instincts that something was wrong.

"My husband stained our deck last night, so I thought that's what it was," she said.

But when she checked outside, Wyland noticed smoke seeping from under her front porch. She attempted to enter the basement to check on it.

"When I opened the door, smoke just came pouring out. I grabbed my daughter, my dog and cat and my phone and called 911," Wyland said.

Rogers said firefighters had the blaze extinguished in about 15 minutes and were placed back in service within an hour.

"We were aggressive in fighting it, and with the quick response, especially with mutual aid, we had it knocked down and out in short order," the chief said.

Rogers said at the scene that it was a small fire near a workbench, but did not give an exact cause. He said damage was minimal and the family would not be displaced.

Copyright 2012 - The News-Item, Shamokin, Pa.

McClatchy-Tribune News Service