Pocono News Section

Massive Fire Destroys Coal Breaker

Massive Fire Destroys Coal Breaker - Tuesday, October 23, 2007 at 12:00PM EST

Reported by: Lorena Beniquez
Tuesday, Oct 23, 2007 @12:00pm EST
RALPHO TOWNSHIP, NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY- A coal breaker at the Split Vein Coal Company caught fire around 6:00 A.M. It took more than 100 fire fighters more than 2 and a half hours to get the blaze under control.

Thanks to high winds and plenty of available coal to burn, the fire spread from the breaker to other nearby buildings and even the mountainside. Witnesses say the blaze could be seen up to 6 miles away.

Crews are still on the scene and have part of Route 61 between Route 487 and Shamokin shut down as they continue to hose down hot spots. It is expected to remain closed until mid-afternoon.

A State Police Fire Marshal is working with other officials to determine a cause.