Fire contained to kitchen of Shamokin home

Dec. 18--SHAMOKIN -- Firefighters worked quickly to contain damage to a second floor kitchen in an apartment building fire this morning.

Emergency crews were called at 9 a.m. to a home at 822 N. Rock St. for a reported kitchen fire. Shamokin Fire Battalion Chief Bruce Rogers said the fire was in the apartment of Jason M. Stinnett. He lives there wife, Renette, and two children.

The family and the first floor occupant, Renette Knopp, 61, got out safely and firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze.

"The damage was contained to the kitchen area," said Rogers, classifying it as "moderate" damage. Smoke affected the rest of the building, he said.

After the structure was vented, Knopp was allowed back into her residence. The Stinnetts were awaiting word from fire officials as to when they could be allowed back in.

Rogers said a fire investigator has been called to the scene to determine the cause.

The home is owned by landlord Jeff Costello, of Mount Carmel, who is insured. Stinnett told officials he did not have renters' insurance.

Members of Shamokin's Rescue and Liberty fire companies responded, as did fire police and AREA Services ambulance.

The fire occurred about nine blocks away from last Tuesday's fatal fire at 5 S. Rock St. that also destroyed five homes.

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