An East Huntingdon home was destroyed by fire Wednesday morning and firefighters contended with snow and cold temperatures while extinguishing the blaze.
Three people escaped the Mt. Pleasant Road home around 7 a.m. as flames spread through it. East Huntingdon fire Chief Rich DeForrest said it was fully engulfed when firefighters arrived. Crews were forced to battle the fire from outside.
“We weren’t able to get in the house,” he said.
Neighbor Amanda Jenkins said she heard yelling and beeping outside and peeked out to see smoke. Three people helped the occupants escape while she called 911.
“I just feel so bad,” she said.
The flames seemed to move quickly from one side of the house to the other until firefighters arrived, she said. An elderly man and woman lived there. One of the three occupants who escaped was checked out by ambulance personnel at the scene. It was unclear if their pets were able to get out.
Snow fell consistently and smoke billowed while firefighters sprayed either side of the roof with water. Mt. Pleasant Road was closed while firefighters worked just off Route 119 in a village south of Mt. Pleasant Borough.
The temperature hovered around 20 degrees and firefighters had to contend for a time with a live power line that was down next to the home. A state police fire marshal is investigating the cause. It is not believed to be suspicious.
Fayette EMS set up a warming tent in Jenkins’ front yard to allow firefighters a respite. Fayette EMS supervisor Nick Forlini and Mutual Aid district chief Patsy Slate said hypothermia can set in quickly, especially when firefighters’ hands get wet.
“They can get frostbite from all the water,” Slate said.
“Hypothermia is definitely a concern,” Forlini added.
The cold weather wasn’t bothering DeForrest too much, though.
“Don’t think about it,” he said, laughing. “That’s the easiest way.”
Firefighters from area departments in Westmoreland and Fayette counties responded to the blaze. Jenkins said she was impressed at how quickly they worked together to get the flames under control.
“I’m just glad everybody’s safe,” she said.
