Four Firefighters Injured, Three Homes Damaged In Large Fire In Etna

ETNA (KDKA) -- Four firefighters were injured while battling a house fire on Wilson Avenue on Saturday afternoon.

Firefighters on scene told KDKA's Shelby Cassesse that one firefighter was cut on glass, one had a preexisting condition exacerbated due to the fire, and two were treated for heat-related exposure.

"One guy with a laceration from a piece of glass, one guy that went to the hospital with a medical event, but he should be fine and two others that were evaluated for heat-related exposure," said Etna Fire Chief Greg Porter. "Once that fire starts it's onto that house very quickly. Small, old town. Fire travels very fast."

All four are expected to be okay.

Ten people were displaced due to the fire but they were able to get out safely along with two cats.

Three homes were damaged due to this fire, two of which were severely damaged and a third having its siding melted.

"They were bursting everywhere," said Anthony Pettinato, a witness. "It was bad. The whole side of the house was just covered in flames."

According to Chief Porter, police had reported smoke in the area and when fire crews arrived on the scene, two houses were on fire.

He said the fire shot over to the third house, causing the siding to melt.

As for the other two homes, one has extensive damage but is not yet considered to be a total loss and firefighters were able to mitigate the damage to the second home.

Anthony Rector grabbed a fire extinguisher and tried to put out the blaze.

"The porch was up in flames in 60 seconds," he said. "Fire extinguisher was...there was no point in using it. It was too hot."

Twelve fire departments were on the scene of the fire.

The Red Cross is helping the six adults and four children that are displaced due to the fire with food, clothing, and temporary lodging.

The cause is under investigation.