FireFighter Dies in PA

[RobbyJR307]

PITTSBURGH -- A Burrell Township volunteer firefighter was killed after flames tore through his Armstrong County home Tuesday evening.

Ronald Grafton was pronounced dead at 7:05 p.m. after being found in the cellar of his home.

It is believed that either a natural gas explosion or a combination of gas and cleaning products Grafton was using to clean collectible antiques in his cellar was the cause of the five-alarm fire.


Grafton's wife was able to escape from the house.

The state police fire marshal is investigating.


Will post more information once found.

[RobbyJR307]

New Information

PITTSBURGH -- A Burrell Township volunteer firefighter was killed after flames tore through his Armstrong County home Tuesday evening.

Ronald Grafton was pronounced dead at 7:05 p.m. after being found in the cellar of his home. Investigators say Grafton died from compression asphyxiation. A cement slab from the porch above fell onto Grafton, pinning him to the basement floor.

It is believed that a natural gas explosion was the cause of the five-alarm fire. Grafton was using soap and water to clean collectible antiques in his cellar.

Grafton's wife was able to escape from the house.

The state police fire marshal is investigating.

A fund has been set up to help the family of Ronald Grafton.

Donations can be made to the Ronald C. Grafton Memorial Fund at the Elderton State Bank in Elderton.