COAL TOWNSHIP - While police continue their probe of Thursday's early-morning blaze on West Arch Street, two neighbors were commended for assisting police and firefighters in making sure the occupants escaped unharmed.
A male resident of West Arch Street, who did not want to be identified, informed The News-Item Friday morning that Rodney and Donna Hughes also made an effort to alert Patrick Fetterman and his girlfriend, Laura Gemberling, of 1237 W. Arch St., about the fire that started shortly before 2 a.m. in the first floor of an unoccupied house at 1239 W. Arch St.
The man who commended the couple for their assistance said Rodney Hughes suffered a broken ankle while jumping over a fence in his effort to alert neighbors about the fire. It was confirmed that Hughes underwent emergency room treatment Thursday at Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital before being released, and police had also heard about Hughes being injured. The Hughes could not be contacted directly.
"It's a shame Rodney got hurt, but he and his wife are good people who were trying to help their neighbors. I just want them to get credit for their actions," the neighbor said.
Coal Township Patrolmen Edward Purcell and Joshua Wynn kicked in doors at 1237 W. Arch St. and 1235 W. Arch St., which is inhabited by Anita Robel, and roused the sleeping occupants.
State Police Fire Marshal Kirk Renn of the Milton station inspected the fire scene Thursday afternoon, but was unable to determine a cause. Renn, who did not rule out the fire being suspicious, has turned over the investigation to Coal Township police.
Coal Township Police Chief William Carpenter said Detective Jeff Brennan has been assigned the investigation. "Jeff is checking out leads and continuing to conduct interviews," Carpenter said Friday. "There's really no other information to release at this time."