Kingston fire displaces 7

Feb. 23--KINGSTON -- Seven people were displaced by a two-alarm fire at 8-10 Pulaski St. Monday afternoon.

When fire crews were called out at 1:16 p.m., they arrived to find heavy fire in the rear of the duplex, Kingston-Forty Fort Fire Chief Frank Guido said.

Homeowner Ed Kotarski, of 8 Pulaski St., said he had just come home from a funeral, sat down, and was going to have lunch when he heard the neighbor's dog. At first he thought the dog was barking at the mailman.

"Then the smoke became really intense -- super intense -- fire alarms going off everywhere," Kotarski said.

He tried to go upstairs, but said the smoke was too thick, so he headed outside. Kotarski got out safely and called 911.

The Kotarskis' tenants -- a husband, wife, two teenage daughters and a baby -- occupied 10 Pulaski St. Kotarski said he tried to open their door, but couldn't.

As it turned out, the family was safe; Guido said no injuries were reported.

When Kotarski's wife Maureen arrived home from her cousin's funeral, she saw fire engines in the neighborhood and soon realized what they were there for.

"Oh, my God, it's our house," she said.

The Kotarskis watched from a neighbor's porch as firefighters knocked down the fire.

"I'm in shock. I can't get over it. I want to know what's going on," Maureen Kotarski said.

Ed Kotarski, who has numerous health problems, was chilly and worried about getting his coat. He wanted to retrieve an urn containing the ashes of their dog, which died recently, from atop the television.

Guido said the fire started in 10 Pulaski St., which was severely damaged. He said 8 Pulaski St. sustained smoke and water damage.

Guido said 10 Pulaski St. can be rebuilt, but "it will be a big job."

State police Fire Marshal Ron Jarocha performed an inspection and ruled the fire accidental, caused by a cooking incident.

Ed Kotarski said he has lived in the house all 66 years of his life: First with his parents on the 10 Pulaski St. side, then on the 8 Pulaski St. side after he married.

He said he has insurance and had called the company.

American Red Cross representatives arrived at the scene shortly after the fire was extinguished.

Dave Skutnik, regional communications manager for the American Red Cross of Eastern Pennsylvania, confirmed via email that the organization was assisting seven people with things like food, clothes and lodging.

Sarah Scinto, staff writer, contributed to this report.

[email protected], 570-821-2072

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