Pets lost in Vernon Township fire

Feb. 3--VERNON TOWNSHIP -- The toll of a Sunday fire that claimed the lives of several pets and destroyed a house might have been even worse if not for the dogs that were present when the fire started, according to Chief John Fuller of Vernon Central Hose Company.

One of two residents who shared the split-level house at 11385 Pennsylvania Ave. was home at the time of the fire, which was reported at 10:11 a.m., Fuller said.

"He was at home at the time, sleeping in the bedroom," Fuller said, "and was woken up by dogs to fire in the kitchen or kitchen area.

"He was very lucky," Fuller added.

Flames could be seen at the front and rear of the first floor of the structure when firefighters arrived, with smoke filling the entire level, according to Fuller. The fire appeared to have started in or near the kitchen, but no cause was immediately identified.

With multiple crews responding, the blaze was under control within approximately 30 minutes, Fuller said, and claimed the lives of at least two dogs and a cat. Additional pets were in the home at the time of the fire according to the resident who was present, but Fuller said it was unclear how many had escaped.

Despite the short duration of the fire, the damage caused was extensive.

"It pretty much gutted the residence," Fuller said, calling the home and its contents a loss. The residents, who rented the residence, did not have renters' insurance, according to Fuller. It was unknown whether the property owner had insured the structure.

Fuller said he planned to discuss the fire with a Pennsylvania State Police fire marshal and determine whether an investigation would be launched.

The Red Cross and family members were assisting the two adults displaced by the fire, he added.

Meadville Central, Hayfield, Saegertown, West Mead 1, West Mead 2 and Vernon Township fire departments also responded to the scene, as did Meadville Area Ambulance Service.

Mike Crowley can be reached at 724-6370 or by email at mcrowley@meadvilletribune.com.

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