The Schuylkill Haven Fire Dept was dispatched to a reported structure fire on West Main St. in the downtown. As Asst. Chief Mike Donatti went responding he was advised that a Pa State Police car was on scene reporting a working fire to the rear of Troutmans Do It Best Hardware Store. Chief Donatti requested a ladder and the R.I.T from Pottsville. As Haven units laid 5” supply lines Chief Peel & Sattizahn assisted Chief Donatti, and a call was placed for District 56 to move up into Station 2. Due to the fire load, Chief Donatti requested a Tanker Task Force and additional aerial from St. Clair. Pottsville’s R.I.T. was placed into firefighting service and a R.I.T. from Englewood was requested along with and heavy rescue from Pottsville. Tankers shuttled water from Stoyers Dam as an aerial assault was preformed. The Chiefs decided on the Tanker Task Force in case of a water main break. An evacuation of some nearby homes was put into place due to the smoke and chemicals in the store.

 

The Fire was placed under control at approx. 0230 hours. There were only minor cuts and exhaustion to firefighters. A state Police Fire Marshal was called in to investigate the case.