The cause of a fatal house fire Friday morning at 719 N. Centre St. in Pottsville is still under investigation.
Bill Dewald, assistant fire chief for the city, said Saturday that the investigation is a joint effort between state police fire marshal John Burns from the Frackville station, Pottsville police and Pottsville fire personnel.
“We are not going to rush to judgment,” Dewald said.
Joan Marie Wallace, 58, died in the fire. She was the only person home at the time. Daniel Sarge, 79, the husband of Joan, and daughter, Mary Anne Sarge, 29, also lived at the residence. Daniel and Mary Anne were provided assistance by the American Red Cross Tri-County Chapter.
Dewald said Wallace was found in the middle room on the first floor. He said the oxygen canisters in the house did not explode but did make a loud noise when a relief valve released the oxygen. The release of the oxygen could have contributed to the heavy fire.
“It increases the fire tremendously. It was a very intense fire we had,” Dewald said.
Pottsville Assistant Fire Chief Jason Witmier confirmed the canisters were intact in the building. He said the release of oxygen could sound like an explosion to neighbors.
Investigators are awaiting results from the Schuylkill County Coroner’s office. Schuylkill County Coroner Dr. David J. Moylan III said Friday toxicology tests and carbon monoxide levels could take weeks to get back from a lab.
Pottsville Police Chief Richard F. Wojciechowsky said previously the investigation thus far showed the fire started in the first floor, middle room.
“No evidence of suspicious or criminal activity was uncovered at this point and the investigation is continuing,” Wojciechowsky said Friday.
Dewald said he didn’t have a damage estimate, but the building could possibly be salvaged.
“It probably is repairable,” he said.