Home in Forward Township catches fire
FORWARD TWP — A log cabin home was destroyed in a house fire battled by firefighters from multiple departments Thursday afternoon, July 13.
The fire, reported around 3 p.m., resulted in a total loss, said Evans City fire chief Matt Otto.
“When I was first on (the) scene, the entire roof area collapsed into the structure,” said Otto. “Luckily there was nobody home. There is a family of four that live here.”
He said one dog is believed to be missing.
Around 4:30 p.m., firefighters were dousing the house at 1137 Three Degree Road with compressed air foam to prevent rekindling of what remains of the log cabin home.
“It’s a shock for sure,” said John Wheale, a neighbor. “I’m just glad nobody was home.”
Earlier, smoke was visible behind the trees as firefighters from departments including Evans City, Callery, Butler Township, Penn Township and Middlesex responded to douse and smother out the flames.
Otto said a passerby saw the fire and called it in. By that time, the fire was “heavily involved” and had moved to the attic, he said.
The cause of the fire is unknown, he said.
While the home is completely destroyed, Otto said that firefighters were able to salvage some things from the garage.
“They did have insurance, so that’s always a positive, and we’ve been in contact with the (American) Red Cross to get them some help,” he said.
Quality EMS responded to the fire, he said, though no injuries were reported.
