Cause of holiday fire still unknown

Dec. 28--SHAMOKIN -- Three days after a Christmas night fire left a family of three temporarily homeless, Shamokin police fire investigator Ray Siko is still looking into the cause of the blaze.

"Patrolman Siko has several interviews he wants to conduct before making a final determination," said Shamokin assistant fire chief Jason Zimmerman, Tuesday night.

The fire, which began shortly before 8 p.m. at 832 E. Chestnut St., displaced renters Joy Wahl, 54, her 17-year-old daughter Madison Bradshaw, and Bradshaw's 1-month-old son, Jordan Lahr.

The Red Cross assisted the family Sunday night "and is still helping them out," Zimmerman said.

"They are currently staying with family," he added.

Although the blaze was extinguished by city firefighters in about 10 minutes, the family "lost everything," Wahl said.

By the time emergency responders arrived at the East Chestnut address, the fire had already spread across the couch and flames shot up to the ceiling, said Patrolman Nat Rhodes. Water and smoke damage in the living room and elsewhere in the home was severe; the couch and Christmas tree were the biggest losses in the living room.

Wahl said she did not have renter's insurance to cover her losses.

The building is owned by Ron Shepard, of Shamokin.

Maryann Fleming, 67, of 834 E. Chestnut, Wahl's next-door neighbor in the half double house, escaped unharmed. Her home sustained minimal damage due to water and smoke.

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