ENGLEWOOD - Six people were displaced and two cats died in an early Monday morning fire in this Butler Township village.
Edward Beneshunas, chief of the Friendship Fire Company, said crews were called to the home at 717 W. John St. just before 2:30 a.m. and found heavy fire on the first floor of the double home.
He said firefighters from Englewood, Frackville and Altamont responded and quickly knocked down most of the blaze.
The home was occupied by Alfred and Shirley Robbins, who had their three grandchildren staying with them at the time of the fire.
One man lived in the attached home at 719 W. John St., but Beneshunas said he did not have his identity.
Beneshunas said one person from the 717 W. John St. home chose to seek medical attention for apparent smoke inhalation. No other injuries were reported.
Two pet cats died inside the 719 W. John St. home that sustained smoke and water damage, the chief said, adding that the fire was contained to the first floor of the Robbins property.
Beneshunas said Butler Township Fire Marshal Mark Cuttic investigated the blaze and determined that it appears to have started in a chimney.
Beneshunas said the fire does not appear to be suspicious.
Firefighters from Mahanoy City assisted at the scene along with a Rapid Intervention Team from the Pottsville Fire Department while Mahanoy City and Shenandoah firefighters were on standby in the Goodwill Fire Company station in Frackville. Frackville EMS also assisted at the scene.
The American Red Cross provided the resident of 719 W. John St. with food, clothing and lodging while the Robbins and their grandchildren indicated they would not need Red Cross services.
Red Cross officials said they will follow up with the individual for additional services as needed.
