RENIE WORKMAN
WNEP
Reprinted with Permission

Three massive fires broke out early Thursday in Schuylkill County.


Two people were killed when several homes burned in New Philadelphia, a Christian retreat center burned near New Ringgold and a former textile mill complex went up in flames in Schuylkill Haven.

Dispatchers said several homes are on fire along Water Street in New Philadelphia and confirm the coroner was called. Officials on the scene said two women were killed. The fire broke out just before 5:30 a.m. Thursday. Fire crews from Pottsville and surrounding areas have been called in to fight the flames.

Saint Clair Area School District officials said there will be no bus transportation for students who live in New Philadelphia because of the fire.

A blaze at the Blue Mountain Christian Retreat Center in West Penn Township, near New Ringgold, started around 2:30 a.m. Thursday. Fire destroyed the main building. The general manager of the retreat said the building has been there since 1974 and they do plan to rebuild. Crews are still on the scene of that fire.

In Schuylkill Haven, flames broke out early Thursday along West Williams Street at the JEM contracting complex, according to dispatchers. Neighbors said it was a textile mill for decades and part of it was still being used. They said a band had a studio there, and a garage was full of vehicles. Neighbors also said firefighters tried to battle the flames from inside, but were forced out, fearing the place might collapse.

There is no word yet on what may have started the three fires in Schuylkill County.

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