NEWS INFORMATION FROM

THE OFFICE OF MAYOR STEPHEN R. REED
City of Harrisburg
King City Government Center
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1678
Telephone: 717.255.3040

FOR IMMEDIATE USE
19 July 2004

GENERAL ALARM FIRE RULED ACCIDENTAL, 1 MINOR FIREFIGHTER INJURY

Harrisburg, PA – Mayor Stephen R. Reed today reported that a general alarm fire at 547 South 19th Street this afternoon has been ruled accidental. It caused over $70,000 damage to two structures and contents.

Initially dispatched fire apparatus were advised of possible entrapment of occupants. Four persons escaped the fire, two of them by jumping off the front porch to the sidewalk below. Two others ran through smoke and fire to exit from the first floor.

One firefighter suffered minor burns, was treated and returned to duty.

Reed said an electrical cord to a lamp in the middle room of the first floor is what started the blaze. The fire extended to the adjoining home at 545 South 19th Street. In all, 11 persons are affected --- 7 at the home where the fire started and 4 from the adjoining property. At least 7 have been displaced and will stay with friends or be temporarily housed by the Red Cross.

At the house where the fire began, at least $60,000 in damage has occurred, with another $10,000 at the connected adjoining property.

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