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Fire Damages Home in Jessup, Knocks Out Power to Hundreds

JESSUP — Firefighters in Lackawanna County were called to a home in Jessup early Sunday morning. On the coldest day of the year, big flames and heavy smok...

JESSUP -- Firefighters in Lackawanna County were called to a home in Jessup early Sunday morning.

On the coldest day of the year, big flames and heavy smoke came pouring out of a home on Church Street in Jessup just before 4:00 a.m.

The first firefighters on the scene tell us the amount of smoke forced them to close down surrounding streets and cut electricity to hundreds of homes and businesses.

"When we got here we had heavy fire showing from the rear of the structure," said Borough of Jessup Fire Assistant Chief Steve Pitoniak. "Due to the weather conditions, I immediately called for a second alarm."

An EMT and his family lived inside and everyone got out of the home safely.

Officials believe the fire may have started in the back. Extinguishing the flames was tricky for firefighters because the two hydrants near the site were frozen shut.

"Everything just kind of worked against us today," said Pitoniak.

It took about ten different departments to battle the fire. The water freezing everything over made it no easy task.

"A good childhood friend of mine's daughter was opening up in a week. They just hung the sign on the wall for her," said Frank Vitucci of Throop. "It's a shame."

Red Cross volunteers and community members battled the cold to help.

The owner of Saint George's Restaurant opened up its doors for firefighters to get warm.

"It's crazy. You have to feel for them," said Todd Butka of Jessup. "It's upsetting."

According to PPL's website, at least 600 homes and businesses in the area  were without power for several hours Sunday morning. Power was restored to most homes and businesses by 9 a.m.

Church Street was opened to traffic by early Sunday afternoon.

No one was injured and there is no word on how the fire started.

The Red Cross will continue to help the fire victims. Fundraisers have also been set up. For more information, click here.

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