Update: Firefighter injured in early Tuesday morning blaze
One firefighter was injured when more than a dozen companies responded to an early Tuesday morning, Feb. 4, blaze at J.R.’s Truck & Auto Sales in Franklin Township.
Prospect Borough Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Department Chief Nate Blackwood said one firefighter fractured their ankle and was transported by Butler Ambulance Service to Butler Memorial Hospital while responding to the fire at J.R.’s Truck & Auto Sales.
Blackwood said the firefighter has since been released from the hospital.
“That business is a big supporter of our department,” Blackwood said. “It’s hard to see that happen to a local business.”
Blackwood said 13 fire companies responded to the call, which came in around 2:25 a.m. as an apartment full of smoke. He said firefighters could see fire in the single second-floor apartment when they arrived.
Firefighters began with an interior offensive attack but were pushed out after the roof collapsed, Blackwood said. He said the bulk of the fire was significant, so tankers were requested. The nearest hydrant was about 3,000 feet away, he said, which created risks with the water supply being interrupted or drivers running over the hose line.
The road was closed for about three hours once state police and PennDOT officials arrived on scene. Blackwood said his crew arrived around 2:33 a.m. and did not leave the scene until around 7 a.m.
State fire marshals are investigating the cause of the fire. Blackwood said the property would be cleaned up after the investigation results are turned over from state police to the property owner and insurance company.
Unionville Volunteer Fire Company, Portersville-Muddy Creek Township Volunteer Fire Department, Connoquenessing Volunteer Fire Company, Butler Township Volunteer Fire District 3, East Butler Volunteer Fire Company, West Sunbury Volunteer Fire Department, Slippery Rock Volunteer Fire Company, Herman Volunteer Fire Company, Evans City Area Volunteer Fire Department, Penn Township Volunteer Fire Department, Harmony Fire District and Oneida Valley Volunteer Fire Company responded to the call.
The business declined to comment Tuesday morning.
