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Pocono News Section
Cause of Scranton Fire Still Under Investigation
Cause of Scranton Fire Still Under Investigation - Wednesday, April 29, 2009 at 5:25PM EST
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY- Investigators returned to the scene of Tuesday's massive fire in Scranton. They hope to figure out what sparked the fire that destroyed three homes on the 900 block of Monroe Avenue in the city's Hill section.
Victims of the fire also came back to try and recover whatever was spared by the intense flames. Of the 30 left homeless, 17 lived in an apartment building used as transitional housing for families. The others left homeless include students and a professor from the University of Scranton. Today we spoke with them as they tried to salvage anything.
Fire crews pull a few precious possessions from the ashes of 907 Monroe Avenue. Gladys Barbaro says, “This is my kid in Kindergarten. He's 35 now. This is my kid. He used to play football."
Gladys Barbaro says her other possessions can be replaced. Her photos can't. Her family's home was destroyed Tuesday when flames spread from a neighboring apartment building.
The fire also ripped through a building rented in part by four University of Scranton students. Student Francis Dehaut says, "That used to be Joe's room there. There's nothing left. And my room was right behind it. It's all gutted out."
Student Joseph Koivisto said, “You really have to hit hard that a good portion of your life is gone."
Friends came to console the students who lost everything from computers to clothing. The university is helping out. "They're giving us dorms for rest of the semester. Helping us out with food. They're really being more wonderful than they need to be."
Gladys says dealing with the loss has been a little easier with all the help she's getting from the friends, the Red Cross and her church. "When somebody gets hurt we all get hurt. They're going to fix me a room, an apartment. They're going to put furniture. I'm okay," she said.
The Scranton Fire Department has still not released the cause of the fire.
This fire underscores the importance of having renter's insurance even if you're a college student. It's inexpensive but can be helpful if a tragedy like this strikes near you. | | |
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