Police: Arson cause of fire
The fire that destroyed a vacant Little Brownfield home Thursday was ruled arson by state police. Trooper John Marshall said Friday that the 1 a.m. fire was started at the front of a Redstone Furnace Road home owned by Richard Rosner. Marshall said police are continuing to investigate what was used to start the blaze.
Fire also spread to a neighboring home. Police said Hopwood firefighter Greg Rishel lives at that home, which is owned by his mother.
Rishel’s home sustained moderate damage in the fire, and Hopwood Volunteer Fire Chief William Large said Thursday that the damage left it unsuitable to live in.
Although that home was occupied, Large explained that the occupants escaped unharmed, and were staying with family.
During efforts to quell the blaze, one firefighter suffered minor leg and shoulder burns. Firefighters left the scene around 5 a.m.
In addition to Hopwood, fire departments from Uniontown and North Union and Connellsville townships responded to the scene.