Jan 30, 2008 By Patty Yauger 1 min read

Herald-Standard BULLSKIN TWP. – The state police fire marshal is investigating a Tuesday early-morning fire that damaged a township residence.

The 8:47 a.m. blaze started in the basement of the 722 Connellsville Ave. home, according to Bullskin Township Volunteer Fire Co. Assistant Chief Larry Stillwagon.

“It definitely was accidental, but we want to bring in the fire marshal to determine just where it did start,” he said.

The homeowner, K.V. Shearer, was in the residence when the fire started, but managed to escape unharmed. The family pets also escaped without injury, said Stillwagon.

The two-story, frame and brick home sustained damage to the basement area and heat and water damage in other areas of the home.

“We got the fire out pretty quick,” said Stillwagon, crediting area business owners for allowing their employee firefighters to leave their job to respond to the fire. “We’ve had a number of fires this year that could have been a lot worse, but because we had enough guys, we were able to contain them.

“This was certainly one of them.”

In addition to Bullskin Township, personnel from Connellsville Township and Everson volunteer fire companies along with Fayette EMS also responded to the scene.