DUBOIS – An Early morning fire in DuBois left two dead and one firefighter injured.
At a press conference at DuBois City Hall, Police Chief Michael Dilullo said that emergency responders were dispatched to the fire at 7:06 a.m. The fire was at an apartment building at 5 S. Jared St. at the intersection with West Long Avenue.
He said that when emergency responders arrived they had to evacuate tenants who were trapped in the building. Six people were taken to DRMC-West for treatment of injuries and smoke inhalation. Dilullo said that other than the two victims, everyone in the building was accounted for.
He said that police and fire personnel did rescue a family that was on the fire escape when they arrived. Of the four or five people on the escape, two were children.
“Rescue’s our primary concern,” said Fire Chief Jim Corby. “Then we went to the fire.”
Corby said that one firefighter was confirmed injured with a fractured arm. He said a state police fire marshal was on-scene and will return tomorrow morning to continue the investigation, which is ongoing.
City of DuBois Mayor John “Herm” Suplizio praised the emergency responders who were at the scene and all who provided assistance.
Dilullo said the following agencies assisted at the scene: DuBois City Police and Fire Departments; Pennsylvania State Police; Clearfield County Sheriff’s Department; Sandy Township Fire and Police Departments; Brockway Fire Department, Reynoldsville Fire Department; Sykesville Fire Department; Clearfield and Grampian Fire Departments were on stand-by; Penelec; National Fuel; DuBois City Street Department and Construction Code Officials; Clearfield County Emergency Management Agency; Clearfield County Coroner’s Office; the Red Cross and Salvation Army.
Dilullo also thanked anyone not mentioned on that list, including all the local businesses and people who assisted by allowing emergency responders to use their establishments as staging areas or places to stay warm.
“I can’t give out as many thanks is a need to,” said Corby.
Police officials confirmed that a citizen was at the scene when they arrived. They said the person was helping to evacuate residents at the building.
Corby also commented on how long it took to battle the blaze.
“On the firefight itself, it went pretty flawless.”
“The fire department did an excellent job of containing it,” said Suplizio.
Corby said that around 1:30, 2 p.m., crews were able to be dismissed from the scene.
Officials said the incident caused damage to an adjacent building that shared a wall with the 5 S. Jared St. building.
Concerning the two victims, Dilullo said their identities are not being released until their next of kin have been notified.
Officials stated that the investigation will pick up again tomorrow. As of now, there is no determination on the cause or origin of the fire. Due to the damage to the scene, South Jared Street will be closed from West Washington to Long Avenue, and West Spruce Alley will be closed to the intersection of Jared Street.