A state police fire marshal is investigating the cause of a blaze that destroyed a home in Hempfield’s Fort Allen section Tuesday morning.
Flames and billowing smoke ripped through the residence at 318 Hopi Drive after the fire was reported about 9:15 a.m.
Hempfield Fire Department Chief Anthony Kovacic confirmed the homeowners were able to safely escape the burning structure and no injuries were reported.
Westmoreland County property records identify the owner of the house as Daniel E. Lucas Jr.
Fire crews arrived to find the fire rapidly progressing. Kovacic said the basement was already fully engulfed and the first floor had collapsed, forcing firefighters from multiple departments to fight a defensive fire from outside the structure.
Compounding the battle, crews worked through cold temperatures and strong winds that at times obscured the home in thick smoke.
A neighbor, Joe Foschia Jr., recalled hearing two slight thumps before seeing heavy smoke pouring from the house. Foschia praised the homeowner, saying he helped his wife escape, calling him “an angel to her.”
Firefighters from Hempfield departments received mutual aid from units in Greensburg, South Greensburg, New Stanton and Youngwood.
