Monaca home destroyed in fire

July 02--MONACA -- Family members were able to safely flee their borough home Friday morning as flames engulfed their back porch and spread into the house, destroying the structure.

Monaca Fire station No. 1 Chief Glenn Rambo said the family of four was "lucky" to have noticed the fire, which started in the back of 1235 Washington Ave.

The residents, who asked to not be named, moved into the rental property about a month ago, they said. Two adults and two children, ages 8 and 5, smelled smoke coming from the back porch at about 10:30 a.m. and found the back of the house in flames. They ran out of the home and called for help.

Black smoke could be seen all over the area, Rambo said. Firefighters were able to extinguish the flames and keep it from spreading to neighboring homes, though there was some damage to the siding of 1231 Washington Ave., he said.

"It was pretty scary there for a while," Rambo said.

Crews from Monaca, Center Township, Bridgewater, Rochester, Conway and New Brighton remained at the scene for several hours, ventilating the home and preventing rekindling of the flames.

According to Rambo, the home had recently been renovated before the family moved in. While the house was insured, the family said they did not have rental insurance.

"We'll be fine," said one resident, noting they have family throughout the county.

The property is owned by David Duchene, according to online property tax records. Rambo said officials are investigating the cause of the fire.

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