A fire that broke out in an apartment building in Lansford on Friday has been ruled “accidental” by Lansford Fire Chief Joseph Greco.

The fire happened in a first-floor apartment of the three-story building in the 200 block of East Bertsch Street.

Greco said the fire was accidental and started in the kitchen area.

One firefighter sustained minor injuries. He was transported to the emergency room of St. Luke’s Miners Campus in Coaldale and treated for an injured leg.

Greco said the fire damage was contained to the first floor unit. Occupants of the numerous other apartments in the building were permitted to return to their residences later in the evening.

When firefighters arrived on the scene, heavy, dense smoke was billowing from the front door on the first floor and from the side of the building.

Because of the intensity of the fire, Greco immediately asked for a second alarm.

The fire chief said the fire had begun ascending an interior wall but was halted by firefighters before penetrating the roof.

The building was built in the early 1900s, and as a result of its age, had no fire stops between floors, he said. This could have made for a disastrous situation, he said.

He praised the work done by the firefighters, stating the blaze “could have been a lot worse.”

The blaze was brought under control in a little more than a half-hour. Of the quick stop, Greco said, “I chalk it up to skill, but also a little bit of luck.”

Occupying the apartment where the fire began were Daniel Dickman and Margaret Novitsky. Also there at the time were a daughter, Jamie Bauder, and grandson, Jeffrey Cope, age 10.

Novitsky is confined to a wheelchair. Bauder pulled her to safety through the heavy smoke.

All the occupants of the building got out safely.

Although there was no exact count on the number of firefighters who responded, Greco estimated it might have been about 90.

Fire departments at the scene were from Lansford, Summit Hill, Coaldale, Nesquehoning, Jim Thorpe, Tamaqua and Tuscarora.

Lehighton Ambulance and area fire police, as well as the Lansford Police Department, also responded.