Photo by Ed Lewis | Times Leader
EDWARDSVILLE — Approximately 60 firefighters from numerous businesses battled a massive fire that destroyed Danchek Fire Extinguisher Services and a NEPA mixed martial arts facility in Edwardsville Thursday morning.
The call came in just after 10:30 a.m. at 681 Main Street, where flames were coming from the collapsed roof. Thick smoke could be seen across the Wyoming Valley.
A second alarm was issued for additional firefighters.
Three aerial ladder trucks were used to attack the blaze from overhead while firefighters ran lines to hydrants in the area for a ground attack.
Kyle Reed, owner of NEPA Mixed Martial Arts, said he was notified by phone that the fire alarm had been activated, but soon learned from friends and family that the building was on fire.
Reed said he has been in business for 10 years and has been at 681 Main St. for five years, filling about 5,000 square feet of space with equipment. NEPA Mixed Martial Arts has about 150 people participating in training, Reed said.
“We got three calls and by the time we got here, the fire had already penetrated the roof and the building,” Reed said. “I have mixed feelings, but fortunately no one was hurt.”
At the time, Reed’s business was closed.
Because of the loss of her business, Reed said she is preparing to hold an Easter egg hunt at nearby John Hopkins Memorial Park.
“It had all the plastic eggs in it, but no candy,” said Reed, who said she plans to buy replacement plastic eggs for an Easter egg hunt for the children.
Firefighters from Edwardsville, Kingston-Forty Fort, Maltby Fire Department in Swoyersville, Duryea, Pringle, Larksville, Shavertown, Plymouth, Pringle, West Pittston, Hanover Township and Excelsior Fire Station No. 2 in Nanticoke are involved in the Dallas The response included emergency medical services from the area. and Plains Township.
