A Poconos Mountain Regional Police vehicle

By Jillian Pikora From Daily Voice

A woman was killed when a fast-moving fire tore through a Pocono Lake home, collapsing the structure as crews worked to reach her, police said on Friday, Nov. 28.

Officers with the Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department were dispatched to a residential blaze at 2017 Locust Ridge Road at 5:39 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 27, according to the release. Firefighters from Thornhurst Volunteer Fire Company, Coolbaugh Township Volunteer Fire Company, and additional agencies arrived to find the roof already engulfed and the flames rapidly spreading due to high winds.

The first, second, and third floors collapsed inward as the fire intensified, the department said. During interviews with family members, police learned that Stephanie Selecky-Banfield, 58, of Pocono Lake, was the sole occupant of the home. Emergency crews later recovered her remains from the rubble, and she was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Monroe County Coroner’s Office responded, and the cause and origin of the fire remain under investigation. Police emphasized that no criminal conduct is suspected at this time.

PMRPD was assisted by Thornhurst and Coolbaugh Township fire departments. No other injuries were reported.

Details about Stephanie Selecky-Banfield's life were not immediately available. Her loved ones are invited to share information with Daily Voice by emailing jpikora@dailyvoice.com.