After a housefire broke out on West State Street early Saturday morning, three people were rescued by the Athens Fire Department
No injuries are reported at this time and the three rescued are doing well, according to a press release from AFD.
The call came in at 3:55 a.m. Saturday, and the fire was put out by first responders within 15-20 minutes. Personnel were on the scene until around 10 a.m., according to AFD. AFD believed it was an electrical fire and accidental in nature.
According to the press release, the fire spread from a utility closet in the basement level of the home, encompassing the ceiling, through the balloon frame and into the first-floor bedroom.
Residents on the first floor said they did not know if the basement apartment had anyone home. AFD forced open the door to the basement, finding the three people.
“Our department operates with low staffing levels, and these are the situations we train for every day,” the press release said.
AFD also thanked other agencies for their assistance including the Athens County Emergency Communications 911, Richland Area Fire Department, The Plains Volunteer Fire Department, York Township Volunteer Fire Department, Athens Police Department and Athens County EMS.
