On November 26, shortly around 0630 hrs Shamokin and Coal Township Fire Departments were alerted to a working apartment building fire. Shortly after dispatch responding units were advised of one still reported trapped inside unable to get out by themselves. Command quickly upgraded the box to a working commercial structure fire.
Units arrived including various local police officers and state constables who tried to make access to the victim. Shamokin Fire Bureau Chief Bruce Rogers stated “unfortunately no one was able to reach the elderly resident who lived in one of the apartments” Northumberland County coroner James Kelley confirmed that the cause of death was “carbon monoxide poisoning”.
Fire Bureau Chief Bruce Rogers confirmed that “Fire burned through the floor in the front room, opening a hole and creating that 2 firefighters fell through” upon entering from the Alpha side of the building but did not sustain injuries. One Firefighter did sustain a minor steam burn during rescue attempts during the fire as well.

The cause of the fire has been ruled accident and electrical in nature. The fire was reported to have started between the basement ceiling and the floor of Schminkey's apartment.
The Red Cross was assisting six left homeless due to the fire two children and four adults.