Pocono News Section

Lackawanna County Fire Displaces Nine

Lackawanna County Fire Displaces Nine - Friday, June 26, 2009 at 11:16AM EST

Reported by: Kyla Campbell
Friday, Jun 26, 2009 @ 11:16am EST

CARBONDALE, LACKAWANNA COUNTY -- A fire broke out just after 4am Friday at 10-12 Laurel Street in Carbondale, displacing nine people who lived in two apartments.

Kathy Smith was sleeping in her first-floor apartment when she was awakened by commotion coming from the upstairs apartment.

"I heard someone screaming, 'Fire,'" said Kathy Smith, who sprang into action to save her 89-year-old mother, Loretta. "All of a sudden, hell broke loose."

"I was asleep my daughter came in and woke me up," said Loretta Smith.

Seven people living upstairs, including a three-month-old boy, all got out safely. The baby's father tried to put out the fire.

"He tried to throw the couch over the balcony," said David Brooker of Carbondale, brother-in-law of one of the fire victims. "That's how he got burned. His eye, his hands, his shoulders are blistered. He's at the hospital right now, but he should be alright."

Witnesses say it appeared the fire started on the balcony, but the State Police fire marshal is not confirming the origin or cause as of Friday morning.

The Red Cross is helping the victims.

"The house will be shut down, gas and power was cut to it, so that's an instant displacement of people," said Brian Wrightson, Director of Emergency Services.

But fire victim Loretta Smith says she's taking it in stride.

"I have to. That's life," laughed Smith. "I put everything in God's hands."