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PLAINS TWP. — A firefighter was shocked by a live electrical wire while battling a blaze that quickly tore through a double-block residence on Farrell Street in the Hilldale section of Plains Township on Friday.
The wire fell from the burning duplex at 303-304 Farrell St. just before 7 a.m. Paramedics transported the firefighter to Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center for injuries to his hands.
One man, at least two dogs and one cat escaped from the building. Another cat perished in the blaze.
Two aerial ladder trucks from Plains and Jenkins townships battled the fire from above, hitting flames that engulfed the entire structure.
About 20 minutes into the blaze, the roof collapsed.
Water pressure from the aerial hoses caused charred lumber from the building to dislodge, landing in the side and rear yards. Firefighters kept the flames from spreading to an adjacent residence, which sustained a broken window and heat and water damage.
Three people resided at 304 Farrell St. but only one person was home at the time. The other side of the duplex, 303 Farrell St., was vacant.
Firefighters believe the fire originated inside 304 Farrell and quickly spread to the attic, causing the roof to collapse.
Pittston City and Kingston fire departments assisted Plains and Jenkins township firefighters.
Electrical service was shut off in the area for a brief time.
The Wyoming Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross is assisting the displaced residents.
