Putting cows on the front page since 1885.
Putting cows on the front page since 1885.
Two families were displaced following a fire in their Newry apartment building on Sunday morning, Oct. 31. A passing Freedom Township Assistant Fire Chief saw smoke coming from the building and alerted the residents who all made it out safely.
An apartment building fire Sunday morning, Oct. 31, attracted eight area fire companies and displaced two Newry families.
At approximately 8:19 a.m., Freedom Township Assistant Fire Chief and borough employee James Lang was driving past 904 Shamrock Lane when he spotted smoke coming from the eaves and attic of the complex.
While calling in the alarm, Lang knocked on the doors of the apartments alerting the residents of the fire and guiding them to safety.
Crews from Duncansville, Freedom Township, Roaring Spring, Hollidaysburg, Allegheny Township, Geeseytown, Lakemont and Bellwood had the fire under control in under two hours.
A crew from the Imler Area Volunteer Fire Company provided standby at the Freedom Township fire station.
Crews attacked the fire in the bathroom area of the empty apartment and pulled ceiling tiles to gain access to the attic. A hole was cut in the roof for ventilation.
While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, Freedom Township Assistant Fire Chief Nate Caldwell said the blaze appears to have started in an empty apartment.
The building suffered heavy smoke and water damage. It is unclear when the occupants of the two apartments can return.
One firefighter reportedly suffered a minor injury while battling the blaze and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
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