Pocono News Section

Elderly Man Trapped In Burning Home

Elderly Man Trapped In Burning Home - Sunday, February 10, 2008 at 3:04PM EST

Reported by: Jill Konopka
Sunday, Feb 10, 2008 @03:04pm EST
MARSHALL'S CREEK, MONROE COUNTY- An overnight fire critically injures an elderly Retired Colonel from the United States Air Force at his home off Route 402 in Marshall's Creek.

Several firefighting crews arrived on scene within minutes to fight the large flames, but soon realized they were also dealing with a trapped victim.

Flames destroyed this home on Resica Falls Road at White Heron Lake in Marshalls Creek, critically injuring Jack Bates, the elderly man who lives here.

Clemence Gower is a friend and neighbor, "It hurts, and it really does. It's a shame it has to go like this."

Chief Joseph Quaresimo works with the Marshalls Creek Fire Department, "He is at the Lehigh Valley Hospital and is fighting for his life at this time."

The call came in after four Sunday morning. Firefighters say Bates was trapped inside a first floor bedroom with both the upstairs and downstairs fully involved.

Chief Quaresimo added, "We sent crews in to rescue, successfully pulled the gentleman out of the structure." Friends of the victim stopped by to see what had happened.

John Hiscott lives nearby too,"Well, I wanted to see if he's alright." Neighbors say the recent widower had a stroke years ago, and needed round the clock care.

Crews say smoke detectors helped save the life of Bates' aide. Chief Quaresimo added,"It saved one gentleman's life, the other guy was handicapped. Crews went in did the rescue and did an excellent job."

State Police Fire Marshal's showed up to search for a cause as the victim's friends gathered his scattered belongings and worked to board the home up.