Pocono News Section

Three Apartments Destroyed in West Hazleton Fire

Three Apartments Destroyed in West Hazleton Fire - Monday, October 15, 2007 at 9:41PM EST

Reported by: Joe Holden
Monday, Oct 15, 2007 @09:41pm EST
WEST HAZLETON, LUZERNE COUNTY- Three apartments that were part of a double block home were destroyed in a heavy fire Monday evening. Smoke could be seen from all over the area.

When firefighters arrived at the Oak Street home they were faced with a number of challenges. The smoke was thick and black. The fire had found its way into the eaves of the building and was very close to high tension power lines.

Neighbor Randy Jaffe said, "I live over there and I came running and saw a ball of orange fire coming close to the lines."

Jeff Willard says he used to live there and tell us the Fire Marshal has cited the out-of-town landlord numerous times. According to Willard the citations were for bad wiring. The landlord is from New York.

West Hazleton Fire Chief Bob Ward said aside from all the difficulties getting the fire under control, he says his department never got word of the blaze from the Luzerne County 9-1-1 Center. Meanwhile the center is not commenting on the matter.

There were no injuries reported. It's also not known how many people lived in the building.