Cause of fire in Bell Twp. still under investigation
Friday, May 15, 2009
MAHAFFEY - A fire early yesterday morning in the Bell Township area of Mahaffey is still under investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police fire marshal from Punxsutawney and Community Volunteer Fire Co. of Mahaffey. According to Dan Wright, fire chief, the home was owned by Tom Junod and was being rented by Susie Benitez.
Chief Wright said two others were also residing in the home; however, they all left Sunday for a vacation in Las Vegas.
There are no fire hydrants in Mahaffey and initially water was a problem. But, Chief Wright said once water started running low, additional fire apparatus was beginning to arrive, which helped. As water supplies were established there were no problems.
The chief estimated damage at $30,000 to the contents and at least $60,000 to the home, which is a total loss.
Six fire companies fought the 12:50 a.m. blaze for about three hours and 40 minutes, including Community Volunteer Fire Co. of Mahaffey, Sentry Fire Co. of Burnside, Irvona, Westover, Grampian-Penn-Bloom and Rescue Hose and Ladder of Curwensville. Mahaffey Community Ambulance and Mahaffey Fire Police were also on scene, while Brady Township Fire Co. of Luthersburg was on standby for GPB Fire Co. and Big Run Fire Co. was standing by for Mahaffey.
There were no reported injuries.
