Pennsylvania Fire Crews Battle Blaze

Feb. 7, 2007
While fighting the blaze, one firefighter slipped on ice, and another suffered frostbite.

Several fire companies are battling a blaze that broke out on Duquesne Avenue in Trafford, Westmoreland County, on Tuesday at about 7:30 a.m.

Kurt Demarchi said he got his wife, 8-year-old son and two pets out of the house as soon as he realized the fire was out of his control.

Demarchi said he was using a heat gun to defrost pipes when he accidentally started the fire.

While fighting the blaze, one firefighter slipped on ice, and another suffered frostbite.

Both were taken to a local hospital.

Other firefighters kept warm inside of a heating tent that was set up by Murrysville emergency crews and Allegheny General Hospital.

"I believe when the call came in, temps were around 5 degrees below with the wind chill," said Murrysville medic Darrick Gerano. "We were able to maintain the temps at 62 degrees for the fireman coming in and out."

Fire crews spent more than five hours fighting the blaze.

Related Links:More County News

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