PA Firefighters Stabilize Structure over Collapsing Roof

POTTSVILLE, PA—The 300 block of West Market Street was closed late Wednesday as city fire crews worked to stabilize a structurally unsound building in the block.

Fire Chief James Misstishin said the department received a call about noon regarding the building at 313 W. Market St., as more of the facade was coming off due to the collapsing roof.

12/2/2020 212 W MARKET ST SF ALL CITY UNITS DISPATCHED. E-62 R-63 RESPONDED.

Posted by Yorkville Hose Fire-Rescue on Wednesday, December 2, 2020

The Yorkville Hose Company's structure collapse team arrived at the scene to raise the ceiling on the building's top floor to support the roof, he said.

"When it snows, it will completely cave in," Misstishin said.

The 300 block of the street was expected to be closed for four hours as the crews worked, in case any debris fell into the street, the chief said at the scene. Traffic was diverted to Third and Arch streets. However, the work paused when firefighters and Misstishin received a call about a fire that burned two buildings in Seltzer late Wednesday afternoon. The street was opened to traffic around 4:30 p.m.

Streets Superintendent Tom Whitaker said the stabilization work will continue early Thursday morning.

Crews spent part of the afternoon assembling equipment and bringing pieces of wood from the back of a streets department truck before being called to the fire. A trailer from Rescue Task Force 1 was also present.

Mayor James T. Muldowney and Whitaker were among the officials looking at the building, which was leaning slightly toward Garfield Square. The roof sagged slightly.

It isn't the first time this year city officials have had to stabilize it. In August, the mayor declared an emergency for action to be taken on it. In his announcement, Muldowney said it is in "deteriorated, blighted condition due to owner neglect" and might pose a risk to public safety.

The property, constructed in 1900, has been owned by Bernard Poda, of Branchdale, since 2007. In July, he was issued a summons after being sent multiple violation letters for it.

Misstishin said the fire department has been called four times to deal with structural issues with the building, but Wednesday was different.

"It's more serious this time as the roof was coming down," he said.

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