Over a dozen fire companies and other emergency responders worked together to battle four seperate fires early this morning (Sunday, September 28, 2014) in Shenandoah. All four blazes occurred in a timeframe of about 5 hours and involved vacant properties.
At 12:15 AM, emergency personnel were called to a reported working structure fire at a large, three-story vacant apartment building located on the 200 block of East Lloyd Street, at the intersection of North Bower Street. Flames and thick smoke could be seen shooting out the windows and doors of the property.
Approximately 45 minutes later (around 1 AM), firefighters were then called to another working fire at a vacant, two-story property along the 100 block of North Ferguson Street (near the Coal Street intersection), adjacent to the American Legion Memorial Garden and behind Mane Street Hair Design salon. Heavy thick smoke poured out the upper front of the home, while 10-foot high flames could be seen rising from the second floor back porch of the home.
Just before 1:45 AM, personnel were then dispatched to yet a third fire. This time, at a large property along the 400 block of East Centre Street (SR54), next to the Julian’s Car Wash, at the intersection of North Union Street. Flames could be seen shooting as high as 30 feet in the air. Three homes were heavily damaged in that fire.
Around 5:20 AM, emergency personnel were called to a fire at the 400 block of South Ferguson Street. Residents said firefighters were able to put a quick stop to fire. Online report says that three homes were damaged there.
Responding were over 300 emergency personnel from Shenandoah, Frackville, Mahanoy City, Ringtown, Ryan Township, Hometown, Tamaqua, Schuylkill Haven, Minersville, and many others.
It is estimated that 13 homes were damaged in the fires. Despite the origin of most fires being vacant properties, it is unknown if any adjacent homes were occupied.
Police could be seen at various locations investigating reports of suspicious activity and following up on leads. A State Police Fire Marshal was called in to investigate each property.
Borough and fire officials are asking residents to be on the lookout for any suspicious activity and to call 911 immediately to report it.
“I promise the residents of Shenandoah that we will find the person(s) responsible,” said Shenandoah Mayor Andrew Szczyglak.
(WBRE TV Story) Used/credited TamaquaArea.com videos.
Page down further to view TamaquaArea.com photos and videos from the first three fires. Stay tuned for follow-up photos from the fourth fire.
First of four fires (200 block of East Lloyd Street) (around 12:15 AM):
TamaquaArea.com video:
Six photos below courtesy of Joanie Paisley Nowak:

TamaquaArea.com photos of firefighter response to first fire:
Second of four fires (100 block of North Ferguson Street) (around 1:00 AM):
TamaquaArea.com Video:
TamaquaArea.com photos:
Third of four fires (400 block of East Centre Street) (around 1:45 AM):
TamaquaArea.com Video:
TamaquaArea.com Photos:
Fourth of four fires (400 block of South Ferguson Street) (around 5:20 AM):
Below photo courtesy of Ann Marie Kovalewski:
If anybody else has any photos of the fourth fire (around 5:20 AM), please email them to AndyLeibenguth@TamaquaArea.com or text them to (570) 668-1234.


[…] Numerous other residents and local businesses also donated refreshments and snacks. Click HERE to view the story about the […]
LikeLike