No Persons Injured in Sunday Morning Fire
Kittanning Hose Co. #1 used their ladder truck during yesterday’s North McKean Street fire that left apartment dwellers homeless. (photo by Brandon Harriger)
A fire broke out shortly after 7AM Sunday in one of five apartments located at 125 North McKean Street.
According to police reports, occupants located in the apartment directly above the law office of Blair F. Green were smoking in bed just before the fire started.
When fire crews arrived, one occupant and her dog were still in an adjoining apartment. Firemen assisted the woman down the stairs to safety.
Hose Company #1 Fire Chief Gene Stephens said the woman did not suffer from any smoke inhalation.
“Actually, they assisted walking her down the steps. But she was in a little bit of a daze, lost in her apartment I take it. They got the one lady out, rescued several cats, but unfortunately we lost two cats that died in the fire.”
In addition to all three Kittanning fire companies stationed on North McKean Street, units from Manor Township, Ford City, and Rayburn Township assisted in the rear of the building fighting the fire.
The building extends from Kittanning Realty and Green’s office to Bob’s Variety Store on North McKean Street and also includes the Downtown Bar and Grill in the rear alley.
“It started in the front bedroom second floor apartment. There were between 10 and 15 people homeless, because there were five apartments there. American Red Cross came in and Salvation Army to assist them.”
Fire damage was contained to the one apartment and the common hallway on the second floor.
“The Downtown Bar and Grill received a little smoke damage, but no water damage. Bob’s Variety Store had a little water damage. Blair Green’s office got most of the damage – water and smoke. The fire actually came from the second floor down through duct work and actually caught his couch on fire in his office.”
The building is reportedly owned by Ben English of Indiana.
“I thank every one of the guys in town and the guys from out of town that came and helped. We had a lot of mutual aide there this morning. We had Rayburn, West Kittanning, Manor Township, and Applewold.”
Stephens said that Washington Township was on standby, and Saxonburg and Apollo came to Hose Company #1 and was available in case there was another fire during that period.
Local News | David Croyle August 8, 2011
By Savanah, August 8, 2011 @ 4:33 PM
what happens to the families that where left homeless? Do they need donations of clothes furniture etc…? If yes – does anyone distribute to the unfortunate people?
By Savanah, August 8, 2011 @ 4:33 PM
Sorry clicked add to quickly.. If yes – what items are needed for the families?
By llady4love, August 9, 2011 @ 4:57 PM
There is DROAC, Disaster Relief of Armstrong County. The group is all volunteer and will take donations of furniture and household items. We do Not except clothing.Most all of our funding is done by a small group of people that have fundraisers through out the year.If any family in Armstrong County is effected by a nature disaster they should contact DROAC for assistance. We are also looking for new members all the time. Volunteers are always needed.