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Five firefighters treated for injuries after Crucible blaze

By Josh Krysak 2 min read

CRUCIBLE – Five Greene County volunteer firefighters were treated at hospitals after battling a house fire in Crucible just before noon Sunday in Cumberland Township. State police said four firefighters from the Carmichaels Volunteer Fire Department, along with the assistant chief of the Crucible Volunteer Fire Department, suffered injuries or ailments in the five-alarm blaze.

The fire broke out at 11:45 a.m. at 507 Bosses Row Road. The homeowners, James and Brandy Schooley, were not at home when the fire began, police said.

Firefighters from five volunteer stations including Crucible, Carmichaels, Rices Landing, Nemacolin and Jefferson responded to the fire, which gutted the second-floor of the two-story house.

Bruce Shipley, Crucible assistant fire chief, was taken to Southwest Regional Medical Center in Waynesburg after complaining of “heart problems.” He was treated and was at home resting Monday, Crucible fire officials said.

Carmichaels firefighters Tom Hastings, Robert Schiffbauer and Robbie Schiffbauer all suffered burns to their knees while battling the blaze and were taken to Southwest Regional Medical Center for treatment.

Carmichaels Fire Chief Jim Higgins said the men suffered only minor burns after flames pierced their bunker suits. The three men were released from the hospital Sunday afternoon.

Additionally, Carmichaels firefighter Fred Clark was taken to Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, W.Va., after he complained of chest pains while fighting the fire. An update on his condition was not available Monday.

Police said investigators determined that the fire started on the second floor and that no evidence of criminal activity was discovered. The cause of the fire remains undetermined.

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