Fire destroys Pappy Baluta plumbing building in Kulpmont; Route 61 closed
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Pappy Baluta and Sons Plumbing and Heating leans a bit to the left after the overnight fire. The business and a second-floor apartment were destroyed. A cause is unknown at this point.
Smoke billows out of the two-story building early Thursday morning along Route 61 in Kulpmont.
Firefighters evacuate the roof at Pappy Baluta's and Sons Plumbing and Heating as the fire rages overnight.
KULPMONT - An overnight fire destroyed a business and apartment building in the borough, where Route 61 remains closed as of 9 a.m. today.
Firefighters responded to 940 Chestnut St. at 12:18 a.m. as flames were shooting out of the second floor of the Pappy Baluta and Sons Plumbing building. Residents reported flames could be seen for a long distance, and the smell of smoke filled the air as far away as Shamokin.
One resident of an upstairs apartment, Sandrew Castro, was left homeless in the blaze and is being assisted by the Red Cross. The blaze was brought under control at approximately 3:30 a.m., but ladder trucks shot water down on the roof Thursday morning, clearing out hot spots.
Part of Route 61 remains closed as fire officials are concerned about the structural integrity of the building and a possible collapse. A detour is in effect between the Routes 54/61 intersection at Strong and the Anthra Plaza. The detour follows Routes 901 east and 54 west. It is not known how long Route 61 will remain closed in Kulpmont, but motorists are advised to plan extra time for their travels.
Kulpmont Mayor Myron Turlis said the borough is working on bringing a crew in to take care of the problem.
No cause was listed for the blaze Thursday morning, and Kulpmont Deputy Chief Ray Siko reported that a state police fire marshal will be on scene today to investigate.
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