Luzerne County magistrate’s office burns in fire
EDWARDSVILLE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Two firefighters had to be rescued Thursday from the roof of a burning building. The fire broke out at a district court office in Edwardsville.
Firefighters from around the Wyoming Valley converged on the scene after a “mayday” was sent out by the fire chief.
The Edwardsville Fire Chief tells 28/22 News I-Team Reporter Andy Mehalshick they were treated for dehydration and exhaustion at a hospital and then released. They are both ok.
They both were rescued from the roof of the building.
The fire erupted at the district court just after 10:00 a.m.
“They came here, heavy smoke showing with fire from the doors. They made quick entry and we sent firefighters to the roof to vent holes so interior crews could advance due to heat and smoke,” said Edwardsville Fire Department Chief Bill Court.
Within a short time, two firefighters were in trouble on the roof, and a Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) was called in.
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“We had a firefighter collapse on the roof that was cutting vent holes. We put Hanover RIT right to work. They were up there, got him down within ten minutes. Maybe 10 to 15 minutes later, we had a second firefighter collapse in front of the building. That’s when I called the mayday. I called a second alarm for more manpower because everyone was tied up with the rescue,” Chief Court added.
Nancy Chervenicski was working in the court when the fire erupted.
“Judge was having a hearing, then all of a sudden, he came into the secretary’s office and he asked ‘Wow, something is smelling.’ We got up, we looked, and there was clear smoke then all of a sudden it turned to black and that was it,” said Chervenicski.
The fire chief tells Mehalshick the firefighters that were rescued from the Edwardsville and Swoyersville Fire Departments, again we are told they are ok.
A State Police Fire Marshall is investigating the cause.
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