A bottle rocket set off in celebration of the Fourth of July started a fire late Monday night in the 400 block of East Third Street that destroyed the second and third floors of a vacant home, while causing damage to an adjoining unoccupied structure.
Mount Carmel Fire Chief Jack Williams Jr. said the blaze, which was reported at 11:55 p.m., caused between $80,000 and $100,000 damage to 431-433 E. Third St., which are located between Plum and Locust streets.
3 firefighters injured
Williams said three firefighters were injured battling the blaze. He said one of the volunteers suffered a leg injury, while another one suffered minor burns. The third experienced heart-related problems. He said all three firefighters were treated at local hospitals before being released.
Williams said additional fire personnel suffered heat exhaustion and dehydration as a result of battling the blaze.
