Mar 9, 2003 By Patty Shultz 1 min read

CONNELLSVILLE – Investigators are continuing to comb through the remains of an early Friday fire that heavily damaged a Buckeye Street home. “There still hasn’t been a determination as to what caused it,” said Joe Childs, city fire chief.

Connellsville police patrolman Dan Whisler spotted the 1:25 a.m. fire while on routine patrol and contacted emergency fire crews to respond to the 1213 Buckeye St. one story brick residence owned by John Columbus.

According to Childs, the home was unoccupied at the time of the blaze.

“I understand Mr. Columbus was in the process of having the home remodeled,” he said.

Childs said it appeared the fire started in the basement of the home and caused severe damage to the living room.

The matter has been turned over to Connellsville police fire investigator Sgt. Vincent Traynor, said Childs.

In addition to New Haven Volunteer Hose Co., Connellsville Township and South Connellsville fire crews responded to the scene.