A large fire destroyed an ice cream parlor and a home early Monday morning in Ringtown.
Just before 5:30am, emergency personnel were called to a structure fire at 117 West Main Street in Ringtown.
As firefighters arrived on scene, heavy smoke was seen coming from the home, and a 2nd alarm was dispatched.
The quickly spreading fire was blowing from the roof of the home and extending into Rentschler's Ice Cream Parlor, next door, by the time fire crews got to work.
The fire struck a 3rd alarm calling in units from around Schuylkill, Columbia, Northumberland, and Carbon Counties for water and manpower.
Firefighters battled extreme cold and water issues while attempting to bring the fire under control.
Several fill stations were established for tankers to fill.
Around 10:30am, the fire was marked under control but crews remained on scene into the afternoon putting out hotspots.
The fire destroyed Rentschler's and the home where the fire started, and caused minor exterior damage to Luna's Pizza Shop.
According to the American Red Cross, one victim, who lived above Rentschler's is being assisted. He was able to escape with one of his cats but a second cat was found alive 6 hours after the start of the fire under some debris.
The home where the fire started was reported to be unoccupied and being renovated. A State Police Fire Marshal was requested to the scene to assist with the investigation on a cause.
Main Street was closed and reopened after 2:00pm, Monday afternoon.
