Article courtesy of the TIMES NEWS January 16, 2007

Blaze destroys 2 Summit Hill dwellings

One of the most intense fires in Summit Hill in recent years raged through two homes Sunday afternoon.

The blaze occurred in the 100 block of East Holland Street. When firefighters reached the scene, the entire front of one of the structures was a mass of bright orange flames that extended from the ground to the roof. The fire was reaching around both sides of the dwelling. Even before firefighters could play water onto the house, the conflagration already had jumped a narrow walkway and involved a neighboring dwelling.

Nobody reportedly was home at either of the single, three story dwellings at the time.

Summit Hill Fire Chief Shawn Hoben said of the first structure, "It was fully involved when we got there."

He said the cause of the fire wasn't determined and that a state police fire marshall will visit the scene today and assist him in his investigation.

The fire was reported at about 3:50 p.m. at the residence of Paul Velitsky, 144 E. Holland Street. It spread to the home of James Miller, 142 E. Holland St. Miller, whose wife recently died, is reportedly in Florida.

Ron Gower/TIMES NEWS Water pressure was no problem for firefighters from several communities battling a raging fire on East Ludlow Street in Summit Hill yesterday afternoon. Fire officials said all the water was obtained from hydrants in the borough. The fire shut down Route 902 for over four hours.

A firefighter stands at the foot of an aerial ladder reaching to a burning dwelling on East Ludlow Street in Summit Hill yesterday afternoon. Two homes were destroyed by the flames.

A firefighter stands at the foot of an aerial ladder reaching to a burning dwelling on East Ludlow Street in Summit Hill yesterday afternoon. Two homes were destroyed by the flames.

The inferno was battled by about 120 firefighters from numerous communities. It wasn't declared under control until 5:55 p.m., two hours after it was reported.

Route 902, the main thoroughfare through Summit Hill, was closed for more than four hours. Hoben said this is because hoses had to be laid across the street to hydrants utilized in fighting the fire.

The volunteers appeared to have adequate water pressure, all of it coming via the hydrants in the town. "We were using three or four different hydrants," said Hoben.

The fire chief said the Velitsky house was completely destroyed. The Miller house had major fire, heat, and water damages on the second and third floors.

Frank Miller, a neighbor on E. Holland St. (not related to James Miller), said he heard about the fire on his scanner. "I came right out of the house and saw it was fully engulfed," he said. "I ran down the street to see if I could help."

Initially, he said, he knocked on the door of James Miller to see if anybody was inside. He said he heard some small pops which sounded like small explosions emitted from the Velitsky house, causing him to flee. He said, "A cop came, but it was too dangerous" to try to get to the Velitsky house.

Responding were firefighters from Summit Hill, Lansford, Coaldale, Nesquehoning, New Columbus, Hauto, Tamaqua, and Jim Thorpe. Hoben explained that the Tamaqua unit was a "Rapid Intervention Team" whose job was to be on standby at the scene in case any firefighters inside the structures got into any problems. Fortunately, they weren't pressed into service.

Dan McLean, a Summit Hill police officer, was one of the first people on the scene. He said he had been at the Switchback Mini Mart and was outside when a woman approached him and told him a house on East Holland Street was burning. He radioed the Carbon County Telecommunications System, but the fire was already reported.

He said flames were already consuming the front of the house when he reached the scene.

Besides firefighters, the Lehighton Ambulance Corps responded and provided water and other refreshments to the volunteers. They also assisted with supplying Oxygen to the volunteers who swallowed acrid smoke and carried heavy equipment.

Crowd and traffic control was handled by police from Summit Hill and Lansford, and fire police members from the Panther Valley.

There was one minor injury reported. Hoben said a member of the Coaldale Fire Department sustained an ankle injury when he tripped. He was transported to a hospital for treatment.

Louis Vermillion, who resides close to the fire scene, praised the respondents. "They did an excellent job," he said. "When the fire trucks got here, the place was in flames. A few minutes later, dozens of guys were here fighting the fire. I'm very proud of them."

For many volunteers, it meant sacrificing NFL playoff games while they battled the blaze.

Hoben said because of the intensity of the fire at the Velitsky house, it was difficult battling the blaze. "The fire went through the side and into the third floor" of the Miller dwelling, he explained. "I think the guys made an excellent stop. They went in and attacked it."

Aerial trucks were utilized from Summit Hill, Lansford, and Coaldale to keep a steady flow of water on the roof and upper floors of the house. Numerous hose lines allowed the volunteers to work uninterrupted assault.

"It was a difficult fire to attack," Hoben said. "My hat's off to all the guys helping us out. Thanks to all the departments for their help."

Hundreds of spectators arrived at the fire scene.

Also present were several members of Summit Hill Borough Council.

Joseph Weber, president of Summit Hill Council, commented regarding the firefighters, "They did a commendable job. I thank all the locals as well as the members of neighboring community fire companies."

He added, "We take it for granted for fire protection. This is the first major fire in Summit Hill in some time."

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