Just prior to 7:45pm, Tuesday, emergency personnel were dispatched to 341 North 2nd Street in Girardville, for a working structure fire.
Girardville Fire Chief Frank Zangari was first to arrive on scene and found heavy smoke coming from the three attached homes of 339, 341, and 343.
A check for occupants led to the finding of the man inside 341 trying to escape. Zangari said he found the victim swinging his arms trying to escape the smoke filled home. After being knocked down, Zangari and the victim were able to escape the front of the home.
The homes of 339 and 343 were vacant.
Multiple units from around the Girardville area were called to fight the fast moving fire that destroyed three homes.
Some units began to clear the scene by 10:00pm with most other units cleared by 11:30pm.
Units were called back to the scene at 5:00am Wednesday for a rekindle where fire was found in the attic area.
No injuries were reported and the victim is staying with family.
Chief Zangari said Wednesday morning that the fire started in the kitchen when the victim fell asleep and left a pot of oil on the stove .
Story/Photos/Video by J. Reed
Story/Photos/Video by J. Reed