Station 43 was requested on the Tanker Task Force Assignment for a dwelling fire on Smale Lane in Kunkletown.  Command requested no other services from the department.

By BETH BRELJE
Pocono Record Writer

ELDRED TOWNSHIP — As Brad Kuntzman watched firefighters inside the smoldering house where he grew up, he had just one expression, “Thank you.”

“If they didn’t come, this house would be down to the ground by now,” he said.

Kuntzman’s parents Ricky and Barbara Kuntzmen lived in the house on Smales Lane in Eldred Township.

Ricky Kuntzman built the home in 1988.

Kunkletown Fire Chief Kyle Frable said the fire, which broke out around 10:30 p.m. Friday, was likely accidental, possibly related to a coal stove.

The bi-level home suffered serious damage to half the home and much of the roof. Items in the garage and some bedrooms may be salvageable but the structure is likely a total loss.

Kunkletown, Polk, West End and Blue Ridge Hook and Ladder fire departments responded to the blaze.

“When the smoke clears we’ll rebuild it. What are you going to do?,” asked Brad Kuntzman