Around 9:30pm, Saturday evening, emergency personnel were dispatched to 22 Pike Street, Port Carbon for a working structure fire.
The first to arrive found heavy smoke coming from the home and the fire was quickly upgraded to a 2nd Alarm, and by 9:53pm, the fire was upgraded again to a 3rd alarm.
All occupants of the home and nearby homes were accounted for.
Crews battled the fire and cold temperatures until it was brought under control around 11:00pm.
Units from Port Carbon, Pottsville, Saint Clair, and Schuylkill Haven responded to fight the fire along with units from Englewood and Schuylkill Haven for their RIT. Ryan Township fire also responded with their rehab unit due to the cold temperatures.
Other Schuylkill County units were also dispatched to stations to cover for departments at the scene.
EMS units evaluated multiple people as well as a firefighter who suffered minor injuries. Two of those victims were taken to the hospital with injuries. One of those victims was treated and released, the other was held overnight but has since been released.
Emergency personnel cleared the scene about 4:00am.
According to Fire Marshall Scott Krater, the fire was started by an alternate heating source in 22 Pike Street .
The homes at 20, 22, and 24 were a total loss. Adjacent homes also sustained smoke and water damage.
The American Red Cross is assisting at 13 fire victims.
Information on the needs of the fire victims will be announced when information is available.
