Published March 15. 2021 01:11PM
A family of five is displaced after an early morning fire in Tamaqua.
The 2:38 a.m. fire started at 316 Market St., Tamaqua Fire Chief James Connely said.
“It started in the second floor rear bedroom,” he said.
A smoke alarm alerted the family to the fire, Connely said. Matt Moyer, 49, and Donna Moyer, 54, and their three grandchildren ages 5, 3, and 2 live in the home, which does not have insurance. They called 911 after exiting the home with their two dogs. Matt Moyer, who was conscious, was taken to a hospital for smoke inhalation Connely said.
When firefighters arrived, flames and smoke were visible from the second floor. The first floor sustained water and smoke damage. Firefighters cut a hole in the roof to vent the fire. The fire was contained in 30 minutes. Responding personnel left the scene in about 90 minutes.
“The cause of the fire is under investigation,” Connely said, adding state police fire marshal John Burns is investigating.
He estimated damage to the home at $15,000 and contents at $5,000.The Red Cross is assisting the family. Patty Daley, disaster responder with The American Red Cross, said lodging, food and clothing were provided.
No firefighters were injured fighting the fire.
Responding were the Tamaqua Fire Department, the Tamaqua Police, Tamaqua Rescue Squad, Tamaqua Ambulance and the Carbon County Rapid Intervention Team.
COPYRIGHT LARRY NEFF