The fire was reported around 3:50 a.m. when police Chief Matthew Nestor discovered a Toyota camper ablaze on Market Street behind the old postoffice building . The fire quickly spread to a nearby garage and then into the rear of the postoffice building.

Damage: The Post Office building at 209-211 South main St. was destroyed; Severe roof damage occurred to the Historical Society building at 201-207 S. Main and residents at 213 and 215 S. Main left homeless.

In addition to the Shenandoah firefighters, there were personnel from Frackville, Altamont, Englewood, Shenandoah Heights, William Penn, Girardville, Ashland, Ringtown, Ryan Township, Mahanoy Plane and Gilberton.

Many thanks to
Adam J. Bernodin, III, Member of the Washington Fire Company No. 1, Ashland, PA.
or supplying the following pictures of the fire in progress.

Part of the roof of the postoffice fell into the Historical Society building on the left. The two houses on the right are still relatively undamaged at this stage of the fire.

The facade of the old postoffice building. Later when the fire was under control this front wall was knocked down.

The camper and garage on Market Street where it all began.

The following pictures were taken on June 21st as clean up work was underway.

The fire started with the camper in the foreground then spread to the garage on the right, moving west through the block to Main Street.

Left of center are the backs of the badly damaged residences at 213 and 215 S. Main Street.

Fire damaged cars on the back street.

A twisted steel I-beam extends out over the Main St. sidewalk.