More than 10 people have been displaced after a fire destroyed several homes late on Thursday night (February 1) in Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania.

The fire is believed to have started soon after 11pm.

According to local reports, up to 10 homes have been heavily damaged by the flames.

The cause of the fire is unknown.

23:15 hrs. Northumberland County Communications Center (NCCC) dispatched a working 1st alarm to the rear of 317 North Hickory Street, Mount Carmel.

Prior to the Fire department arrival Police along with Captain 25 confirmed a working fire with 2 homes fully involved on side "C" with a 3rd home starting to light off.

NCCC then upgraded this to a 2nd alarm status bringing in additional units. This fire was eventually upgraded to 3rd alarm with a 4th and 5th alarm for a tanker task force respectively for a secondary water supply.
In the end 10 (Eleven) homes from 307 thru 325 North Hickory were lost in the overnight fire as fire departments from 5 counties brought this blaze under control. Fire marshal Trouper Kirk Renn of the Pennsylvania State Police has ruled the fire as “undetermined” and not suspicious as utilities were connected to the rental property.

The fire started in the kitchen area of 317 North Hickory a recently vacated home.

This fire has been ruled accidental and electrical in nature by State Police Fire Marshal Kirk Renn.