A fire early Tuesday morning is under investigation in Shenandoah.
The fire at the home of 301 Furnace Street in the Turkey Run section of Shenandoah was called in just before 3:00am Tuesday when a neighbor reported flames coming from the back of the home.
Fire Chief Rick Examitas was first scene and issued a working fire as it continued to spread through the home and to the adjoining address at 303 Furnace Street.
The fire struck a 2nd alarm calling in additional manpower from surrounding communities and was brought under control in just over an hour. Both homes sustained heavy damage.
According to Chief Examitas, nobody was living in either home.
State Police Fire Marshal Joseph Hall was requested to the scene to investigate and ruled the fire as arson. Chief Examitas and Trooper Hall reported that the fire originated from 1st floor of 301 Furnace St.
This is Shenandoah's second house fire within a week that took place in a vacant home that has been ruled arson. In the early morning hours of Thursday, March 2nd, firefighters responded to a working fire on South Grant Street in the borough.
Chief Examitas urges residents to be on alert for any suspicious activity and to contact local police, State Police, Fire Marshal, or Schuylkill County Communications if they see any squatters in vacant homes.
Editor's Note: This story was updated to include information from Chief Examitas that the fire was ruled an arson.
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| Submitted Photo |
