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Volunteers from Dingman and Delaware Township fire departments fought a blaze that ripped through a house in Marcel Lakes Estates on Monday. (Photo by Susan Koomar)
DINGMANS FERRY – A wind-whipped fire destroyed a home on Claudine Lane in Marcel Lakes Estates on Monday. The owner was able to escape without being hurt.
The owner’s sister-in-law, Carol Tanis, said the fire began in the wood stove chimney in the living room. Flames driven by high winds quickly engulfed the house. Crews from Dingman and Delaware Townships responded, spending more than an hour to squelch the smoldering remains.
Tanis said her brother-in-law tried calling 911 several times and could not get through, so he called her. She also had to dial 911 three or four times before she was connected, she said. Tanis, who also lives at Marcel Lakes, arrived on Claudine Lane to see flames shooting high above 30-foot pine trees along the property.
“The wind just fueled it,” she said.
Her brother-in-law was able to grab his wallet and a few photographs, but the house appeared to be a total loss.
I am glad to see Pike County Press added the paragraph about 911 system probelm. All though it will not change the events for my family, it does raise concern and the residents of our township should be aware of this 911 system problem. I have been waiting to see if this would be mentioned in any news forum. Thanks Pike County Press. Thank You Delaware and Dingman Fire Companies for your hard work.
If that’s the case, it should be reported to Communications Center Supervisor Bernard Swartwood. He can check the tapes. There had to be someone at the radio.
Homeowner called 911 3 times and no one answered. What is going on??
Great Team work Guys thats what its all about ..
Dingman Twsp is on automatic response to assist them until they get their equipment back which will probably be quite some time to go
What’s the status of the Delaware Township trucks? Did they have any to fight the fire with? Guess that’s curb the public service funtime in the future. Priorities folks, priorities.
Delaware has adequate fire protection. They have Dingman come just for safety precautions until their apparatus is back.
Dingman Township what a nice job!