SCHUYLKILL COUNTY---Fire and rescue crews had a busy day Friday after two bodies were found at two fire scenes just miles from each other.
Investigators said the first call was to a home on South Shue String Lane in South Manheim Township, near Schuylkill Haven.
Flames destroyed the home.
State police said the body of 46-year-old Gerald Hale was found in the front yard of his property.
The coroner said hale had a gunshot wound to the chest.
Investigators said they found the weapon.
At this point, they are calling the death suspicious.
"Until we are completely finished with out investigation, that's how we look at it, thats the approach we're taking," said State police Lt. Christopher Blugis of the Reading barracks.
Heavy machinery was brought in to clear rubble for investigators.
Around noon, emergency crews were called from South Manheim Township to nearby East Main Street in Schuylkill Haven for another fire.
A woman's body was found inside the home.
A fire marshall was called in to investigate the cause of that blaze.
"These poor firefighters have been going to one end of town to the other for fighting fires," said Donna Thompson of Schuylkill Haven.
State police said as for their investigation into Hale's death, there is no reason for the public to be worried.
"One thing that's important to stress, you know there's no one at large that we're looking for right now and the community is safe," said Lt. Blugis.