Firefighter injured battling blaze at W-B house

WILKES-BARRE – A city firefighter was injured while battling a blaze at 134 Dana St. Thursday morning that was later found to be intentionally set.

Fire Chief Jay Delaney said the firefighter, whose name was not released, suffered a minor injury while "making an interior attack." The injured firefighter was transported to a local hospital, Delaney said.

Firefighters responded to the two-story house that has two apartments just before 5 a.m.

Delaney said there was heavy fire on the first floor.

"The crew made a good interior attack knocking the fire down quickly," Delaney said.

Occupants of a second floor apartment escaped unharmed.

Delaney said no one was found on the first floor.

An investigation into the cause of the fire by city fire inspector Capt. Alan Klapat determined the blaze was intentionally set, Delaney said. The case has been turned over to city police.

A "for sale" sign by McDermott and McDermott Real Estate is posted in the front yard. Luzerne County property records say Koba Bukvaidze of Blackman Street purchased the house in November 2009.

Most of the windows at the house were smashed, with broken glass covering the sidewalk. Boards were placed covering the window openings during the day Thursday.

No other injuries were reported. Firefighters cleared the scene at about 7 a.m.