Three PA Firefighters Hurt in Vacant Row House Fire

Three firefighters suffered minor injuries while battling a Thursday afternoon blaze at a vacant north Reading row house, a city fire official said.

Crews were dispatched shortly before 5 p.m. to the 1300 block of North Ninth Street for the report of a structure fire with black smoke showing.

Reading Fire Deputy Chief James Stoudt said firefighters found heavy smoke rising from the third floor of a vacant house at 1339 N. Ninth St. Stoudt said firefighters forced entry through the front door and found flames between the second and third floors in the rear of the house.

Hose lines were run into the building, and a ladder truck was set up on North Ninth Street to allow firefighters to get onto the roof. The blaze was brought under control within 10 minutes, Stoudt said, and crews remained at the scene to put out hot spots for another 45 minutes. Damage was contained to the vacant house.

Stoudt said three firefighters suffered minor injuries while battling the fire, including cuts and an ankle sprain. They were treated at the scene.

The cause of the fire is being investigated by the fire marshal.

According to online county records, the house is owned by Jeannette T. Chapman.

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