Three Homes Lost In Freeland Blaze

Three homes were destroyed and reportedly 11 individuals are displaced after a blaze destroyed the structure housing them Friday night in Freeland.

At the corner of Washington and Walnut Streets, a kitchen fire reportedly sparked the blaze that recieved responses from Freeland, Foster Township, White Haven, Valley Regional, Hazle Township, Wright Township, and West Hazleton Fire, along with numerous area EMS crews.

Initial reports at around 7 pm stated that a fire was contained to the kitchen area of one of the three homes in the structure.

Reports also stated that three children were entrapped in the structure.

All residents, including children, were verified to be out of the home shortly after arrival of fire fighters.

A second structure alongside the burning structure was monitored closely by firefighters both outside soaking it with a hose and crews inside with portable extinguishers watching for any signs of fire.

Numerous pets resided in the row home, with two possible feline fatalities, and a kitten which was rescued and resuscitated, but suffered severe burns reportedly.

The Red Cross was on scene providing relief for the displaced families, and the local YMCA reportedly opened their doors to the individuals.

After a long battle with the resiliant flames, the fire was sucessfully knocked down around 9 pm.

Two times firefighters inside the structure were told to evacuate immediately due to threats from the roof's stability and the fire flashing over.

One fire fighter sustained undefined injuries and was taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital Hazleton.

More information, including video and dozens of pictures, will be uploaded shortly.