Williamsport fire displaces 19 people
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Nineteen people were left homeless after a two-alarm attic fire broke out Friday night in a duplex at 610-612 First Ave., according to city Fire Chief Sam Aungst.
It was unclear how many were in the homes when the fire was reported just before 9 p.m., but everyone who was in the houses were already out when firefighters arrived on the scene.
The property is owned by Mike and Mim Logue of the Williamsport area, Aungst said.
There were 13 residents who lived on the 610 side, a three-bedroom house; and another six lived on the other half the double, Aungst said. Three of the displaced residents included children, he said.
"There was quite a bit of spoke pushing out from under the eaves when firefighters arrived," Aungst said.
While there were no injuries, a woman who lived in 610 fainted and was taken by ambulance to UPMC Williamsport, where she was treated and released.
Fire and city police had to contend with a language barrier because the occupants who lived at 610 spoke only Spanish. Mayor Derek Slaughter, who speaks the language fluently, responded to the fire and served as an interpreter for the Spanish-speaking residents.
The local chapter of the American Red Cross was called to offer emergency assistance to the displaced victims.
The fire was contained to the attic and brought under control in about 20 minutes.
"City codes will definitely be a part of the investigation," Aungst said, adding that overcrowding in the 610 side will certainly be addressed.
There is nothing suspicious about the fire at this point, but it remains under investigation, the chief added.
South Williamsport, Old Lycoming Township and Montoursville firefighters along with additional manpower from the city responded on the second alarm.