""MARLIN - NORWEGIAN TOWNSHIP (SCHUYLKILL COUNTY), PA: On March 25th at 11:30 hrs the Norwegian Township Fire Department (Marlin and Seltzer Fire Companies), Pottsville Fire Department (Yorkville, Humane, and West End Fire Companies) and Pottsville EMS were dispatched to 305 Beechwood Avenue for a possible house fire. The caller reported that neighbors pulled an older male out of the smoke filled residence.

Marlin Engine 20-10 was the first engine on scene staged on Side A of the residence. The first fire engine on scene reported they had a working fire in the basement. Pottsville fire chief arrived on scene and reported that there was smoke showing from the home. The Chief then requested Good Intent Engine 11 and American Engine 71 respond to the scene for RIT. Neighbors were attending to the resident who was on the sidewalk with smoke inhalation.

West End Ladder 51 was the first ladder on scene and staged on Side A. Yorkville Engine 62 established a water supply from a hydrant down the street from the fire. Engine 62 laid in and supplied Ladder 51 with the hydrant water. The Pottsville City units sent their crews into the home to search for the fire. Fire fighters advanced two hose lines into the basement from Ladder 51. The attack crews found the fire in the basement and knocked it down. The rest of the fire units staged in the area and sent their manpower to the scene to assist in operations.

Seltzer Engine 20-15 arrived and established a second water supply from a hydrant two blocks away. Command then requested that the Engine 71 and Engine 11 take over the RIT assignment on Side A. Fire fighters threw ground ladders and vented the second floor windows. The additional engine crews pulled ceilings and walls to check for extensions. Command placed the fire under controlled by noon and released the majority of units by 13:00 hours.

The home owner was transported by Pottsville EMS Medic 68 to a nearby heliport and flown to a trauma center. The home owner was treated for smoke inhalation and was listed in serious conditions. The fire chief credits the quick actions of the neighbors for saving the home owner’s life.