Controlled burn sets nearby building on fire Tuesday
Five fire companies were dispatched Tuesday morning, April 15, for a controlled burn that escalated to become a structure fire near Connoquenessing Elementary School.
A homeowner near the school was facilitating a controlled burn in their yard when wind caused the fire to spread to debris in the yard and then an outbuilding, according to Mike Nanna, Connoquenessing Volunteer Fire Company’s chief.
The fire was reported around 7:15 a.m. on the property adjacent to Connoquenessing Elementary School in Connoquenessing Township.
Nanna said VA Butler Fire and Emergency Services arrived first, and crews had extinguished the fire within 20 minutes of arriving.
He said a small propane bottle exploded in the outbuilding shortly before crews arrived. Small propane explosions are common in outbuilding fires, Nanna said.
Butler Area School District was off school for an Act 80 Day, which allowed crews to stage in the school’s parking lot instead of the home’s narrow driveway, Nanna said.
Nanna said the fire crews will be cautious of re-ignitions throughout the day Tuesday with strong winds in the area.
Butler Township Volunteer Fire District, Prospect Volunteer Fire Department and Evans City Area Volunteer Fire Department also responded.
