Families displaced after fire spreads through Zelienople townhomes
ZELIENOPLE, Pa. (KDKA) -- Three families have been forced out of their homes after a late-night fire spread between several townhome units in Zelienople.
A total of four units in the Zelienople Townhomes along Timberbrook Court after a fire broke out just before midnight on Wednesday night.
Fire crews at the scene tell KDKA that it's believed the fire started with an SUV in a driveway before spreading to one of the units and to the roof line.
Certain model years of the Lincoln Navigator were recalled because a faulty component in the heating and cooling system could catch fire. But Harmony Fire District Chief Scott Garing said the recall doesn't pertain to this SUV, which is a 2011.
Some neighbors recalled hearing a loud boom before the car went up in flames.
"When a car catches on fire, there are all kinds of components in it that don't react well to fire. That's what they were hearing -- tires and different components in the motor that were exploding," Garing said.
All four homes were occupied, but all occupants were able to safely escape the buildings.
No injuries were reported, but half of the families have been displaced from their homes. The other half is expected to be able to return to their homes.
The Red Cross was at the scene helping those affected by the fire.