Thanks to quick action on the part of the next-door neighbors, residents of a two-story home at 803 Penn St. in Meadville got out in time when a fire broke out Friday morning.
Meadville Central Fire Chief Larndo (Tunie) Hedrick said Friday his investigation is complete and the origin of the fire, which started at the rear of the residence, has been ruled “undetermined.” The fire, which caused heavy damage to the structure, was reported at approximately 9:19 a.m.
According to Hedrick, Michael and Joan Hammond and their two children resided in the single-family home, which is owned by Christy Mast.
“We were all sleeping,” said family friend Dave Figueroa, who was visiting from college for a few days. When a phone call came in from Bernard Bickerton and Paul Hess, who live next door, the answering machine picked it up. “We all thought they were joking around — but I had a gut feeling, so I went downstairs,” Figueroa continued. When a quick look revealed that the whole back of the house was engulfed in flames, he quickly alerted the other occupants.
“It was just a miracle everybody got out OK,” he said. “I’d like to thank the Good Lord for that.”
Hess was getting ready for work when he smelled smoke and heard popping sounds, he recalled as he watched the firefighters putting away their equipment. Bickerton made the calls alerting emergency personnel and the Hammonds.
According to Hedrick, Joan Hammond was treated for smoke inhalation at Meadville Medical Center and released. The family, which is staying with relatives and friends, is being assisted with clothing and food by the American Red Cross.
Meadville Central Fire Department was assisted at the scene by Meadville Volunteer Fire and Rescue Co.; West Mead 1, West Mead 2 and Vernon Township volunteer fire departments; Meadville Police Department and Meadville Auxiliary Police.
“I want to thank all the departments and off-duty personnel for their help,” Hedrick said. “They stopped the fire from spreading to other structures.”
Mary Spicer can be reached at 724-6370 or by e-mail at mspicer@meadvilletribune.com.
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