An inferno erupted at 1733 East Street in Honesdale, Thursday afternoon, blackening the blue sky and disrupting the neighborhood calm.

All residents reportedly either got out safely or were not at home at the time. A full accounting of who lived in the affected structures was not yet available by press time.

One family that rented there was identified as Adam Constable, his girlfriend Lisa Musser, and their young boys, 10 month old Deklan and two year old McKaidam.  Adam’s mother, Shelley Frechen, said that Adam was at work at the time, and Lisa was visiting her mom with her children and their dog. Their cat apparently perished in the blaze, along with all their worldly possessions inside.

At around 3 p.m., Honesdale Fire Department was dispatched to a “confirmed structure fire” at 1733 East Street. A thick, black column of smoke pierced the sky, leading the concerned and curious, even as a complete armada of fire personnel and equipment amassed on scene. Numerous other companies were called to assist, as the blaze spread to the house immediately next door (1731 East), to the right as seen from the street.

Bill Harrison, who lives in the Honesdale- Bethany area, was on scaffolding on a house not far away. They saw the fire, and Harrison jumped into action, when a woman cried that an elderly man was inside the neighboring house where fire had leaped.

Unclear where the man was, Harrison went up the back stairwell, checking apartments on all three floors. Learning the man was on the first floor, he banged on the front door. Just after a fireman arrived behind him, Harrison said he managed to break through the door, “taking it right off its hinges.” He and the fireman found the elderly man, David Gelatt Sr., 81, standing in the house with his cane. They brought him out to safety.  Gellatt was unharmed, said his son, Dave Gellatt Jr.

He was also at least one who called 9-1-1 to report the fire.

Fire had completely engulfed the old, wooden house at 1733 East Street in  five to 10 minutes.
Flame came down on Harrison as he exited the structure, which singed his hair and arms, he said.

Firefighters were concentrating on saving the house to the right, spreading foam and firing water. Attention w as being given to the house on the left as well, which was separated better by a yard, and houses across the street were being watered down.

Heat was so intense, siding of homes across the street was melting and bystanders had to back off; firefighters, however, in their heavy suits, were right in the action.

Pieces of debris were seen floating down the Dyberry Creek.
North Main Street was closed down and traffic was being routed through Dyberry Cemetery and on Riverside Drive.

A report from Fire Chief Stan Pratt was pending.

The American Red Cross was summoned to assist displaced residents.
Shelley Frechen stated she was already being given donations for her son Adam and his family. She welcomed anyone who wanted to help, to call her at 493-1940. She said her son and his girlfriend are both 21, and did not have insurance.