Update: Cemetery Road home destroyed in Wednesday fire
VENANGO TWP — A house along Cemetery Road was destroyed Wednesday, Jan. 22, after a heater — used in a homeowner’s attempt to thaw frozen pipes — tipped over, according to Eau Claire Volunteer Fire Department.
Departments from across northern Butler County battled the flames amid bitter cold temperatures Wednesday morning, but were not able to save the home.
Eau Claire Volunteer Fire Department assistant chief Josh Sullivan said the property was a “total loss.”
The house fire was reported as “heavily involved” just before 10 a.m. at 311 Cemetery Road. The homeowners were able to escape, but one received minor burns to his arm.
Eau Claire Volunteer Fire Department arrived on the scene shortly after and quickly requested additional aid from Harrisville and Clintonville. Bruin and West Sunbury fire departments provided further assistance.
According to Sullivan, the fire started after a heater fell over. He said the homeowners had attempted to thaw frozen pipes with the heater.
Lt. Reid Campbell of West Sunbury Volunteer Fire Department noted the challenges firefighters were facing due to the extreme cold over the area. To establish a water supply, firefighters had to access Slippery Rock Creek.
“They had to get through four inches of ice,” Campbell said. “Every single one of us is facing some sort of problem due to the temperature. This is not the ideal weather to be playing with water.”
The homeowner who was burned was not taken to the hospital and did not request further medical treatment. Central Electric Co-Op was called to the scene to remove the downed wires that were connected to the home.
Cemetery Road was closed near the scene for around an hour and a half.
