Woman killed in fire at Birchwood Estates in Exeter identified

Jan. 19--EXETER -- Residents of Birchwood Estates were awakened by a fire Thursday which claimed the life of a 61-year-old woman.

Donna Mishanski died as flames consumed the trailer in which she lived.

"She was kind-hearted," said Linda Kibbler, a neighbor of Mishanski's. "She was a good person."

Crews were dispatched to the fire at approximately 8 a.m., according to Luzerne County 911. When they arrived the structure was fully engulfed, Exeter fire Chief Donald Skursky said.

Kibber, who worked with Mishanski for years at Pride Mobility, said she was told of the blaze by her son, Robert Kibber.

Robert, 22, said he was awakened by the blaze. He was asleep when he woke up with a feeling that something was going on. When he looked outside, he saw the trailer engulfed in flames.

"I was just praying to God that everyone was all right," Kibbler said.

Linda said there were "flames everywhere" when she came upon the scene.

Later in the day, crews were dousing what was left of the trailer with water and striping away its sides. Smoke still billowed out of the structure as crews worked. The sides of the structure were charred black.

Emergency officials were seen removing what appeared to be a body covered with a sheet at one point.

Other neighbors also reported seeing flames shooting out of the residence.

Skursky noted that trailers can often pose challenges for firefighters. He said that when crews initially tried to enter the residence, the floor collapsed, and they were forced them back out.

"Trailers are always hard," he said. "We couldn't get in through the front door. It made it a hard fire to fight."

Skursky said crews were able to get the fire under control within 10 minutes.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. No other injuries or deaths were reported.

The American Red Cross was also on the scene to assist the Mishanski's family.

"Disaster workers met with the woman's family and are helping a man displaced with temporary lodging, food and clothing," said spokesman Dave Skutnik in an email. "We also arranged for the woman's dog to be cared for at Blue Chip Farm."

Officials from the American Cred Cross' Spiritual Care Team also visited with the woman's family and neighbors to offer counseling and support.

The American Red Cross will return to Birchwood Estates on Saturday at 2 p.m. to install smoke alarms for residents that need them.

Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal Ronald Jarocha was on the scene investigating.

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