Members of the Knox community were relieved Monday to find out that Knox volunteer firefighters, with the assistance of other local departments, were able to snuff out the blaze that tore through an apartment building Sunday night.
(Submitted photo)
The fire occurred at the corner of Petrolia and East State streets near Rhea Lumber Co.
The fire was called in at 7:36 p.m., and firefighters from Knox, Shippenville, Emlenton and Washington Township responded.
“Everybody is safe – nobody got hurt,” Knox Borough mayor Frank Agnello said. “That’s like hitting a home run … that’s a fantastic thing.”
Firefighters were able to keep the blaze from reaching the house nearby, and Emlenton volunteer firefighters were able to bring tower trucks to the scene to help quell the flames.
“They did a fantastic job down there,” Agnello said. “We came out of it as good as we could possibly come out of it.”
Knox fire chief Russ Cataldo said the cause of the fire is still under investigation, but he speculated it was accidental in nature.
Cataldo was grateful for the help that was provided to the firefighters. He said local businesses gave them “amazing support” by providing the volunteers with food as they fought the flames overnight.
“It was an awesome job that everybody did. Everybody got out, there were no outside structures hurt, just an amazing effort that everybody gave,” Cataldo said.
He also thanked the Caring Cupboard, the Red Cross and Charitable Deeds for their efforts in helping the families affected by the fire.
The Caring Cupboard has established a donation drop at Edenburg Presbyterian Church on Main Street. The donations call for clothing for the family, but monetary donations can also be mailed to the church.
