Family of 4 displaced by fire

Nov. 15--SOUTH PYMATUNING TOWNSHIP -- A husband, wife, their two children and two dogs will be staying with family after an early morning fire destroyed their home Wednesday.

"I'm a God-fearing man," said the homeowner, who asked not to be identified. "God doesn't give me more than I can handle."

The man and his wife said they are thankful that their family and dogs survived. They have insurance, and said their material possessions -- including lost family photos -- can be replaced.

South Pymatuning Township fire Chief Andy Bush lives down the road from the house at 2796 Ivanhoe Road. He was getting ready for his day job at 7:50 a.m. when the call came.

"I was happy to hear that everybody got out," Bush said. "So when I came up and saw 6-foot flames shooting out of the roof, I turned right for the station and brought a truck. I just knew we needed water."

The cause of the fire is undetermined, the chief said, adding that his unofficial opinion is that the fire was accidental.

The fire started on an elevated back porch, but Bush and Hermitage fire Chief John Flynn were unable to locate an exact point of origin..

"When the sliding glass doors were opened, it caused a flash and the fire rushed into the house," Bush said.

He advised people to make sure they have smoke alarms on every floor of their home, and to test the batteries. He also said to keep inside and outside doors closed in the wintertime.

"The fire wouldn't have gotten as far if all the doors were closed," Bush said.

The fire chief said the house would likely be a total loss.

The family was assisted by the American Red Cross.

Several fire departments assisted including Hermitage, Patagonia, Sharpsville and Hartford volunteer firefighters and Sharon, Farrell and Brookfield fire departments.

"We had a good turnout from our own department," Bush said. "And (Sharon fire) Chief (Bob) Fiscus and Chief Flynn put on their gear and went inside so I could run everything outside. That was very helpful."

Transfer and Clark volunteer fire departments were on standby status in their stations.

Follow Melissa Klaric on Twitter and Facebook @HeraldKlaric, email: mklaric@sharonherald.com

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