No People Hurt, One Dog Dies in Stubborn School Street Fire

By ANNE HOLLIDAY
WESB/WBRR News Director

No people were hurt, but at least one dog died in stubborn apartment house fire on the corner of School and North Center streets Saturday morning.

The building is owned by Bradford Rentals LLC and had four apartments. The residents were Marcus Edward Vance; Samantha Silvis; Latdior "Lamar" Williams; and Curtis Glenn, 6-year-old Shelby Nelson, 9-year-old Brent Nelson, 12-year-old Jesse Renner and 16-year-old Kenny Parris.

The American Red Cross is assisting them.

Bradford City Fire Department Lt. Mike Cleveland said at least one dog, possibly more, died in the blaze. He said two cats were also missing, but one was found alive later.

The first call went to the fire station at about 10:55 a.m., and the building was fully engulfed in flames when they arrived. They got called back twice for re-kindles, and got back to the station the third time at 7:10 p.m.

At around 11:15 a.m. as firefighters were shooting water at the flames, thick smoke billowed from the roof and whirled like a black tornado. At times, flames burst through the roof and licked at the sky through the smokey air.

While several firemen were working on the back, the flames raced to the front and erupted through the roof on the other side of the building.

Cleveland said this is the most stubborn fire they've fought "in a while."

He said the reason the blaze was so tough to fight is that "it was so involved when we got there that the roof collapsed. That leaves voids we can't get to ... and we have to be careful of anyone going inside."

The building is scheduled for an emergency demolition, which will probably happen early Sunday morning, he said.

Several bystanders and friends of some of the residents said the fire started in the kitchen of one of the apartments. Cleveland said a state police fire marshal has been on the scene, but hasn't determined a cause yet.

The fire also caused minor damage next door at 75 School Street.

Cleveland said the damage there was limited to the garage and charring on a back corner, and that it was all exterior damage.

Bradford Township firefighters were on the scene and on standby at the city station.

Bradford City Police and Bradford Special Police were controlling traffic.

Update: The other cat was found alive, too.

The picture of the fire was taken by Joe Austin before firefighters arrived.