Firefighters extinguished a blaze that had engulfed a commercial building and several nearby apartments in Shamokin, Pennsylvania, on December 21.
Northumberland County Communications Center dispatched a working dwelling fire spreading to Joe’s Original Italian Pizza (OIP) at 150 East Independence Street, Shamokin, Pa. The fire also spread to Oliver’s Cigar Lounge along with several apartments.
Chief 32 quickly upgraded the box to 2nd alarm commercial fire bringing additional units.
Wendy and Edward Manning, owner of Oliver’s, and Joe Gallina, owner of OIP, along with employees, family members and those living in the apartments, stood in disbelief as heavy, black smoke billowed into the air.
Flames charred the siding and brick exterior of Oliver’s and damaged the food storage area of OIP, although the extent of the damage was unclear Wednesday evening. At least two apartments, where the bulk of the fire was, sustained heavy fire damage.
Joe Gallina (owner OIP) said he then noticed flames in a hallway of an apartment and called 911.
“There’s a lot of water in the kitchen and prep area. There’s a lot of water and stuff like that,” Gallina said of the damage to the landmark business. “The walk-in cooler and walk-in freezer — they’re gone. We just got our supplies today and Monday.”
One of the first companies to arrive was Liberty, which houses its engine at Rescue Fire Co., station was just across Shamokin Creek from the fire. The Chauffeur quick thinking dumped tank water via a deck gun to slow the spread while other established a supply line.
Shamokin Truck 32 along with 294 (Overlook) setup on side “C” (rear) of the structure while Truck 2 and 542 setup on side “A” (address)
Shamokin Battalion Chief Dave Wheary and Deputy Fire Chief Lester Yohe took command of the rear and front of the scene, respectively.
Firefighters secured and extinguisher burning natural gas feeding OIP and electrical utilities.
Chief Wheary “We couldn’t do anything with the rear interior because of the metal staircase. So, we did have a crew come in from the front and push that second floor,” The fire was brought under control in about 30 minutes, with extensive over haul.
Original Italian Pizza posted a statement on Face Book social media saying the business will be closed until further notice.
It is believed that the fire might have started in between the buildings in the area of the dumpster/garage area owned by Gallina between the two buildings.
This incident will be investigated by Shamokin Police Chief and Fire Investigator Raymond Siko II.
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