PENN TWP — A blaze this morning destroyed a split-level house at 160 Jones Road.

A man plowing snow down the road saw smoke and fire coming from the wooden frame house and called 911.

About 40 firefighters responded to the 7:08 a.m. call. Township Fire Chief Jeff Crede said the fire was fully involved when crews arrived.

About 7:30 a.m., large plumes of gray billowed above the house, which had a stone and wood exterior.

Because there are no fire hydrants nearby, crews set up a portable tank to store water.

Several fire departments assisted the Penn Township Volunteer Fire Department by sending tankers to the scene.

Crede said the fire was under control by 9 a.m., but firefighters continued to hose down hot spots.

He said the cold temperatures didn't hinder firefighters.

No one was in the house when the fire occurred. Michael Riley is listed as the owner.

A cause has not been determined yet.

"Early indications are the fire was wholly involved in the section of the house on top of the garage," he said. "It's too early to say anything else."

Middlesex, Saxonburg, Evans City, Callery and West Deer volunteer fire departments assisted Penn Township.