House on Hicks Road lost in fire
PENN TWP — A “family home” was lost in a fire along Hicks Road on the evening of Tuesday, March 4.
A call came through around 4 p.m. for a structure fire at 145 Hicks Road. According to police, who were first to the scene, the building was fully involved by the time they arrived.
John Hines lived at the home with his mother, grandmother and dog. Hines said everyone inside made it out without injury. Hines’ mother was not home at the time of the fire.
Hines said the house was the “family home,” having remained with his family for generations. He also shared his theory as to how the fire started.
“We were burning in the yard earlier in the day,” Hines said. “I made sure it was completely out before I went to take a nap. An hour later, I woke up and ran into the living room and it was full of smoke.”
Penn Township and Butler Township crews arrived shortly after 4 p.m. to battle the flames. Herman, Connoquenessing, Saxonburg and Middlesex Township fire departments assisted on the scene.
Hicks Road was closed to traffic from 4 p.m. until crews returned to service at 6:30 p.m. The closure blocked access to Barry A Huff Truck & Equipment Repair, prompting the owners to cancel upcoming appointments.
At around 4:30 p.m., the roof of the building collapsed as an upstairs window was engulfed in flames.
Herman and Connoquenessing had their tankers continually alternate bringing water to the scene to keep steady access.
According to Saxonburg chief Christopher Dean, the fire was under control around 5:30 p.m. The fire was entirely extinguished around 6:30 p.m.
According to Dean, the house was a total loss.
