Five homeless in Shenandoah fire

Jan. 20—SHENANDOAH — A family of five is homeless after fire severely damaged their home in the borough Monday night.

The cause remains under investigation, Shenandoah fire marshal Rick Examitas said.

Felix Bermejo said the home belonged to his grandmother and grandfather and that he, his fiancee and their three children moved in about a year ago. He said his grandfather died about two years ago and his grandmother about a year ago. Living in the home brought back good memories, he said.

Bermejo said he and his family were not home when the fire started and they stayed with family members Monday night.

"There isn't much left; the living room has a lot of damage," he said. "All that counts is that no one got hurt.

The American Red Cross Tri-County Chapter is helping with food, clothing and lodging.

Although Bermejo said he has renter's insurance because he does not actually own the home, it will not be nearly enough to repair the building and replace what was inside.

Examitas said the fire was discovered around 8:40 p.m. and brought under control in about an hour

He said damage was contained mostly to the basement, but the first and second floors sustained heat and smoke damage.

State police fire marshals Troopers John Burns and Joseph Hall of the Frackville station are assisting in the investigation.

Firefighters from Shenandoah responded along with the Mahanoy City Fire Department Rapid Intervention Team and Shenandoah EMS. Shenandoah police and fire police assisted.

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