4-Alarm Fire Destroys Upper St. Clair Home
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UPPER SAINT CLAIR (KDKA) – A four-alarm fire in Upper Saint Clair destroyed a home Tuesday afternoon.
According to officials at the scene, the fire started in the 1600 block of Red Mill Drive around noon.
Flames tore through the two-story house, starting in the back and moving quickly through the structure. Part of the roof collapsed. The home is believed to be a total loss. The fire also melted the siding of a neighboring home.
"When he got on scene he could see flames and smoke from the rear area of the house, the deck and rear area were completely involved. They pounded on the door, kicked the door, determined nobody was inside," said Upper St. Clair Police Chief Douglas Burkholder.
A neighbor said her dog wouldn't stop barking, which alerted her to the fire next door.
"She wouldn't stop barking, and then I came outside, and, I guess I first noticed the deck was on fire, but soon realizing the entire house was engulfed in flames," said neighbor Jenny Thomas.
Fortunately, no one was home when the fire started and there are no reported injuries. Firefighters were able to retrieve some pictures and other mementos from the home.
The cause is unknown, but officials said the homeowner had just turned their furnace on this morning.
"They did make a comment that they turned their furnace on, but until they complete the investigation, we won't know," Chief Burkholder said.
The Allegheny County Fire Marshal is investigating the cause.