Fast-Moving PA Fire Spreads to Three Homes
By Joyce Hanz And Tawnya Panizzi
Source The Tribune-Review, Greensburg
Jul. 15—Emergency crews from nine local departments on Thursday battled a fire in Vandergrift that quickly spread to three homes.
The fire started at 6:05 a.m. on Holland Avenue.
Stephen Poydence, 63, of Allegheny Township was staying with a friend a few doors from where the fire broke out. He immediately began filming the blaze with his cellphone.
"I saw flames shooting 40 feet above one of the homes," Poydence said. "I was about 50 feet from the fire and was told by a neighbor that everyone got out safely."
Poydence said he saw fire crews set up their hoses. He watched as the fire spread to a third home.
"That was the first time I've been that close to a fire," Poydence said, "and it's amazing how fast a wooden structure can go up in flames."
He said he didn't witness anyone receiving medical treatment.
The fire appeared to be contained by 9 a.m.
The homes along that street sit close together, and crews worked quickly to keep the fire from spreading further.
Vandergrift firefighters told Tribune-Review news partner WPXI that two of the homes are a total loss, and the third home has extensive damage.
Later Thursday, Vandergrift Mayor Barb Turiak confirmed there were no injuries related to the fire.
Firefighters from the following departments responded: Parks, Markle, Allegheny Township, Vandergrift, Lower Burrell, Murrysville No. 610, Leechburg, Apollo and New Kensington No. 564.
Residents of one of the homes that caught fire told Tribune-Review news partner WPXI that they are grateful to be alive.
Robert Mills said he was asleep in bed when he heard a loud explosion. He then saw his back porch was on fire. He woke his wife, and they darted out of the home, which they had lived in for 51 years.
"I thank God that we made it out alive," Mills told the television station. "How quickly things can change in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye. You don't know."
The fire remains under investigation.
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