Go to The News Item mobile
Overnight fire chases family of 10 from home
Published: December 20, 2009
Font size: [A] [A] [A]
e-mail this
share this
ROB WHEARY/Staff Photo Firefighters chop through siding at the Stefanowicz home on West Independence Street early Saturday morning as they worked to bring a chimney fire under control.
COAL TOWNSHIP - Quick work by firefighters saved a West Independence Street house from major damage early Saturday morning, keeping a family of 10 safe.
Emergency crews were called to the home of Andy and Michele Stefanowicz at 1:13 a.m. Saturday after the family discovered smoke in their home.
"We have a free-standing wood-burning stove in the first floor, and my oldest son and my wife were still up and noticed the smoke," Andy Stefanowicz said. "They did some investigating and found the problem, and thought it might be time to get everyone out."
"Everyone" included the family's eight children, ranging in age from twins who turn 3 this coming Saturday to 18.
Coal Township Fire Chief Mike Timco said a malfunctioning chimney was to blame.
"Either there was a crack in the chimney or it got overheated," causing heat and smoke to get into the wall, Timco said.
He said firefighters ripped off some of the exterior siding on the first floor to get at the fire, which was under control in approximately 15 minutes.
"We were able to keep the damage limited to just the exterior of the home, and just in that small area," Timco said.
As the smoke dissipated, the Stefanowiczes returned to their home. Firefighters had the scene cleared at approximately 2:15 a.m.
Assisting were the Coal Township Fire Department, Shamokin Rescue Squad, the Rescue and Liberty fire companies from Shamokin and AREA Services.
Be the first to comment on this article!