SHENANDOAH — The cause of a fire that gutted one home and damaged another in the borough Tuesday night was ruled accidental.
Shenandoah fire marshal Rick Examitas said the fire originated in the kitchen area of a home at 238 S. Jardin St. just after 6:30 p.m.
Firefighters responding to the scene were met with heavy fire to the rear of the home that sits along Poplar Street.
Flames quickly spread to other areas of the first floor and then to the second and third floors.
Examitas said crews worked for about an hour to bring the fire under control and were able to contain the majority of the damage to the home where it originated.
He said a home at 236 S. Jardin St. sustained minor smoke and water damage but can be repaired.
“There is some damage but it can be repaired,” Examitas said.
Left homeless were Lorraine Rosario and two children — Isabella Rosario and Gianni Sanchez — who all lived in 238 S. Jardin St.
Examitas said the three are staying with family members but received assistance from the American Red Cross.
A man living in 236 S. Jardin St., whose name was not available, also received assistance from the Red Cross.
That man is temporarily homeless because Examitas said electrical service to the fire building and his home was disconnected by PPL workers.
Examitas said the investigation revealed that the fire was caused by a cooking incident inside 238 S. Jardin St. and deemed accidental.
No injuries were reported. Examitas said firefighters from Ringtown, Mahanoy City, Butler Township, West Mahanoy Township and Frackville responded to assist.
EMS units from Shenandoah, Frackville and Mahanoy City were at the scene along with Shenandoah police and Shenandoah fire police.
The Pottsville Fire Department Rapid Intervention Team was also called should firefighters become trapped or injured but their services were not needed.
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