WEST MEAD TOWNSHIP — Reports of heavy smoke coming from the 2 1/2-story residence at 20774 Alden St. brought firefighters to the scene Monday afternoon.
Firefighters were dispatched at 3:02 p.m. “When we arrived on the scene, the fire was visible in the front of the first story,” Chief Brad Johnston of West Mead 1 Volunteer Fire Department said Monday evening.
The fire had been reported by both a passerby and a West Mead 1 firefighter who lives in the neighborhood.
“There was fire damage, as well as heat, water and smoke damage on the first floor,” Johnston said. “There was also some extension into the basement and extension into the second floor. The fire was ultimately confined to the room of origin, but smoke and heat traveled throughout the building.”
After an investigation conducted by his department and a telephone consultation with a Pennsylvania State Police fire marshal, the fire was ruled accidental and identified as electrical in nature, Johnston said. Overall, he rated the damage as moderate, with “pretty significant” damage on the first floor and heat and smoke damage throughout the structure.
The owners were not at home at the time, according to Johnston, who said he had no further information on the family. The Red Cross was notified to assist with the family’s personal needs.
“West Mead 2, East Mead, Vernon Central, Vernon Township and Saegertown volunteer firefighters assisted at the scene while Meadville Central Fire Department provided coverage to all the surrounding companies while we were at the scene,” Johnston said. “We appreciate the help of all our mutual aid departments. They certainly assisted us in getting the job done.”
No injuries were reported; the last department had cleared the scene and returned to service by 6:15 p.m.
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